Rohingya and other foreigners pay full healthcare costs in Malaysia, minister says

Foreign nationals, including the Rohingya ethnic group, are not eligible for subsidized healthcare or discounts in Malaysia and must pay medical costs comparable to other non-citizens. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad stated that outstanding medical bills for foreigners saw a downward trend, reaching RM30.57 million last year, a decrease from RM33.46 million in 2024 and RM34.97 million in 2023. He clarified that these outstanding amounts are primarily linked to undocumented immigrants. The minister emphasized the significant cost difference, noting that foreigners pay RM120 for specialist outpatient visits, while Malaysians pay only RM5, and RM1 for general practitioners. The Health Ministry is actively pursuing various measures to recover these unpaid bills, including requiring deposits before treatment commences. Efforts also involve identifying employers who have failed to pay for their foreign workers' medical expenses. The ministry is collaborating with the Immigration Department, UNHCR, and NGOs to assist those unable to afford treatment costs. Despite these efforts, Dr. Dzulkefly affirmed that the ministry cannot deny treatment to individuals in critical emergencies or facing childbirth complications, adhering to humanitarian principles and a 'no wrong door' policy. He addressed reports of a surge in Rohingya presence at public health facilities, suggesting it might stem from external perceptions and current targeted attention towards the Rohingya community.

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Foreigners are not exempted. Issues concerning foreigners are not subsidized. Foreigners are indeed charged treatment costs that are actually much higher than those for locals.