PUTRAJAYA, May 2 -- All private clinics, hospitals, and community pharmacies have a three-month grace period to display the price of medicines sold before the government imposes penalties.

The new policy which took effect yesterday affects all medicine, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, traditional remedies, as well as health supplements.

Deputy Director-General of Health (Pharmaceutical Services) Dr Azuana Ramli told a news conference here that no punitive action will be taken during this time as the ministry is focusing on promoting transparency and empowering consumers.

"This is a learning phase for both parties, where we will observe how the implementation is being carried out in practice. During these three...