The 2026 budget will keep the minimum general practitioner (GP) consultation fee at RM10 to help Malaysians without insurance who must pay for their own healthcare, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said.
Dzulkefly emphasised the government’s commitment to making basic medical care accessible and affordable. “There are always trade-offs in policy decisions. We understand the impact on uninsured individuals who have to pay out-of-pocket. Keeping the minimum rate at RM10 provides meaningful relief,” he said after attending the World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2025 event in Putrajaya.
While the minimum fee remains unchanged, the maximum fee has been increased from RM35 to RM80. This allows GPs greater flexibility to set fees according to the complexity and duration of consultations. Dzulkefly explained, “A short consultation for a common cold shouldn’t be priced the same as a lengthy assessment for chronic conditions like diabetes or mental health issues.”
The health ministry hopes this change will encourage GPs to take a more thorough approach to patient care and pay closer attention to non-communicable diseases, which are increasingly prevalent in Malaysia.
Dzulkefly also highlighted the vital role of GPs in primary healthcare. With more flexibility in fee-setting, patients should continue to receive quality care without facing financial barriers. He noted that a strong doctor-patient relationship is essential for good healthcare, as patients are more likely to seek follow-up treatment when they trust their doctor, even if costs increase.
“The new ceiling price is a strategic move. It motivates GPs to provide responsible care and ensures patients get value for their money,” he said.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced during the tabling of the 2026 budget that GP consultation fees would now range from RM10 to RM80—up from RM10 to RM35 previously.
However, the Malaysian Medical Association expressed disappointment over retaining the RM10 minimum fee, a rate established under its 1992 Fee Schedule.
