KUALA LUMPUR: Doctors have been told to take medical check-ups for commercial drivers seriously and not to abuse public trust in them.

In giving this advice, Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai also warned that action would be taken against them if they were found to be unethical and unprofessional in their work.

His comments came in the wake of reports that some doctors were issuing physical fitness certificates to commercial vehicle drivers without examining them.

"How can they do this. We are talking about people's lives. These commercial vehicle drivers are also those who ply passengers from one destination to another," said Liow.

He said doctors should be more responsible and ensure that physical fitness certificates were issued to only those who were deemed fit to drive commercial vehicles.
"Think of the public and their safety. I view this issue as very serious," he said, adding that he had been informed by the Road Transport Department of errant doctors who issue such certificates.

Liow called on Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat and RTD to furnish details of the errant doctors so that appropriate action could be taken against them, especially by the Malaysian Medical Council.

If found guilty, the doctors face disciplinary action which includes suspension or having their annual practising licence revoked.

"The ministry and MMC can take action only if there is an official complaint.

"We need details such as the name of the doctor and when and where he or she committed the offence," said Liow, who has directed his officers to look into the matter immediately.

On Monday, Ong had accused doctors of issuing physical fitness certificate to commercial vehicle drivers without examining them.

While refusing to reveal details, Ong confirmed the problem existed as his officers had gone undercover to check on the complaints.



All commercial vehicle drivers must undergo a medical examination as a prerequisite to renewing their licence.