Kuala Lampur, May 5 -- After years of public complaints about high medical costs, the Malaysian government has finally implemented the Medicine Price Transparency Mechanism in private healthcare by mandating that all private healthcare facilities and pharmacies display drug prices.

The move to contain medical costs is a step forward and it must not end there. It should include measures taken by pharmaceutical companies, wholesalers and insurance companies as well while addressing social and economic issues and educating the public about taking charge of their health.

The Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Price Marking for Drug) Order 2025, effective May 1, requires all private healthcare providers and pharmacies to display the prices...