Fake doctors in Pudu: 18 undocumented migrants arrested for running illegal clinics, selling unapproved medicines up to RM100
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 14, 2026 – A group of foreign nationals posing as doctors and operating unlicensed medical services from behind legitimate business fronts has been dismantled following coordinated raids by the Immigration Department and health authorities in Pudu.
The operation, carried out at approximately 4pm yesterday, targeted nine premises along Jalan Tun Tun Tan Siew Sin after two weeks of surveillance by the Immigration Department’s Special Tactical Team in collaboration with the Kuala Lumpur Health Department’s Pharmacy Enforcement Division.
Immigration deputy director-general (Operations) Datuk Lokman Effendi Ramli said 18 foreign men aged between 24 and 51 were detained, including six who allegedly posed as doctors providing medical consultations to migrant communities.
According to him, inspections revealed that the premises were operating under the cover of legitimate businesses such as sundry shops, textile stores, eateries, travel agency counters and barber shops.
“While the front sections appeared to function as regular commercial outlets, the back areas had been converted into makeshift consultation rooms and storage spaces for illegal medicines,” he told reporters after the raids.
Unregistered chronic disease medicines and antibiotics seized
Lokman Effendi said most clients were Bangladeshi nationals attracted by lower consultation fees and easier communication in their native language.
Authorities discovered that the premises were supplying medicines typically requiring specialist prescriptions, including treatments for diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol. Antibiotics and painkillers not approved by the Health Ministry were also seized during the operation.
Initial investigations indicate that the medicines were smuggled into the country by Bangladeshi visitors and sold at prices ranging from RM50 to RM100.
Officials warned that the use of unregistered medicines without supervision from licensed medical practitioners poses significant public health risks, particularly for patients with chronic conditions.
Arrests under Dangerous Drugs Act and Immigration laws
All 18 suspects, comprising 17 Bangladeshi nationals and one Myanmar citizen, were arrested under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Offences include possession of invalid travel documents, misuse of social visit passes and overstaying.
Authorities are now investigating possible wider supply networks and whether additional individuals were involved in distributing the unregistered medicines.
The case has reignited concerns over the existence of illegal backroom clinics targeting migrant communities by offering low-cost treatment without regulatory approval.
Immigration and health authorities stressed that strict enforcement action will continue to curb unlicensed medical practices that endanger public health and undermine regulatory safeguards.
-wilayah.com.my
