An Annual Practising Certificate (APC) is a licence issued by the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) that allows a doctor to legally practise medicine in Malaysia for a specific calendar year.
Holding full registration alone is not sufficient. A doctor must also possess a valid APC before engaging in medical practice.
Failure to obtain or renew an APC may constitute practising medicine without a valid licence.
⸻
Who Needs an APC?
An APC is required for:
- Government medical officers
- University doctors
- Private practitioners
- Locum doctors
- Specialists
- Doctors working in private hospitals
- Doctors employed by corporations or NGOs who provide medical services
Doctors who are not currently practising may choose not to renew their APC, although they should consider the implications for future practice.
⸻
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for an APC, you should have:
- Full registration with the Malaysian Medical Council
- Good standing with the MMC
- Satisfied any Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements applicable for APC renewal
- Paid all required fees
⸻
Documents You May Need
Prepare electronic copies of:
Medical Indemnity/Insurance certificate MyKad or passport (where applicable) Passport size photo MBBS certificate Usually only the Medical Indemnity certificate will be required as the others would have been uploaded when you registered with Merits
⸻
Step-by-Step APC Application Process
Step 1. Access the MMC Online Portal - Link to MeRITS Portal
- Log in to the Malaysian Medical Council online services portal using your registered account.
- First-time users should register using their MMC registration details.
⸻
Step 2. Select APC Application
Choose:
- Annual Practising Certificate (APC)
- Click on Apply APC
- Select the correct year (normally it will be the following year
- The system will remind you if you have enough cumulative CPD points (you currently need at least 20, so the total displayed should be more than 20)
Hit Save
⸻
Step 3. Complete the Application
Next Navigate Professional Indemnity Insurance - You are required to enter the Policy number, Provider, Date (Normally 1 January to 31 December of the following year) - Upload the Indemnity Insurance Certicate
Hit Save
⸻
Step 4. Enter details of Place of Practice
- Fill up the details according to where you are practicing as the Principal Place of Practice
- Fill in any other places of practice
View Documents (normally these should already be available is you are just renewing the APC)
Check the Acknowledgment and hit Submit ⸻
Step 5. Pay the APC Fee - Click on the APC section again - For the required APC year, click on the orange Make Payment button at the right
- Payment is made online using the available electronic payment methods including credit card and online banking
- Normally the renewal fee is RM 100
- The fee may differ depending on the doctor’s registration status or category.
You should download the receipt for safe keeping
⸻
Step 6. Track Application Status
- The online portal allows applicants to monitor the status of their APC.
- The status of your APC application will be under "Review"
- Once approved, the APC becomes available electronically and you can download it
(please note that for earlier years, APC download may not be available anymore and you have to contact Merits directly should you need a copy)
If you need assistance from Merits, their contact WhatsApp and Email is on the Home page - Link to Merits Home page
At last update, their contacts are:
- APC (WhatsApp): 016-3261751
- Direct Call (APC): 019-8022171/019-3832171
- Emel: unitapc@mmc.gov.my
- General Line: 0326912171 ext unit APC
⸻
When Should You Apply?
Doctors are encouraged to apply well before the beginning of the new practising year.
Applying early helps avoid delays that may affect:
- Hospital credentialing
- Clinic licence renewals
- Employment documentation
- Specialist practice
⸻
Common Reasons for Delay
Applications may be delayed because of:
- Outstanding CPD requirements
- Incorrect practice address
- Incomplete personal information
- Outstanding MMC issues
- Payment problems
Always ensure your profile is up to date before applying.