Growing Acceptance of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Malaysia

In Malaysia, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained significant traction among non-Chinese communities, particularly the Malay population. Aida Malik, a 33-year-old freelance event manager, shared her transformative experience with TCM, stating that acupuncture treatments at Kuala Lumpur’s Tung Shin Hospital helped her manage an autoimmune disease and achieve notable weight loss. This trend is reflected in hospital statistics, which indicate that over 20% of TCM patients at Tung Shin Hospital are non-Chinese, with the outpatient numbers rising from approximately 290,000 in 2024 to nearly 300,000 in 2025.

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The Malaysian Health Ministry has recognized TCM's growing popularity, with a 2025 study revealing that 97% of healthcare staff expressed positive attitudes towards TCM. Currently, 16 government hospitals, including the National Cancer Institute and Sungai Buloh Hospital, offer TCM services, focusing on chronic pain management and post-stroke recovery. The increasing demand has prompted Tung Shin Hospital to expand its facilities, with plans for three new 16-storey blocks to accommodate TCM services, which currently account for 40% of the hospital's revenue.

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Healthcare professionals are increasingly integrating TCM with modern medical practices. Khor Swee Kheng, a healthcare specialist, noted that the combination of evidence-based modern medicine with traditional practices offers a promising future for TCM. This integration is also evident in the private healthcare sector, where groups like Sunway Healthcare have begun offering TCM services, further legitimizing its role in Malaysian healthcare.

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Despite the positive reception, some critics express concerns regarding the standardization and regulation of TCM practices. The Malaysian Traditional and Complementary Medicine Board oversees TCM practitioners, but questions remain about the consistency of care and the need for clear clinical practice boundaries. Critics argue that while TCM can complement conventional treatments, it should not replace them without rigorous evidence of efficacy.

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Former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin emphasized TCM's importance in rehabilitative care, advocating for a greater focus on alternative medicine. The Malaysian Health Ministry's study highlighted that nearly 95% of respondents had utilized some form of TCM, primarily for health maintenance, indicating a shift in public perception towards acceptance and reliance on these treatments.

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• “Because of the weight loss, I had quite a bit of loose skin,” — Aida Malik, Freelance Event Manager

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• “At first, I was sceptical, but once I stepped inside, I was surprised by how modern everything is,” — Mahmud Mat Lazim, TCM Patient

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• “One, the science- and evidence-based approach of modern medicine has been integrated with traditional practices,” — Khor Swee Kheng, Healthcare Specialist

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The increasing acceptance of TCM in Malaysia reflects a broader trend towards integrative healthcare, where traditional practices are recognized for their potential benefits. As more non-Chinese patients seek TCM treatments, the Malaysian healthcare system is adapting to accommodate this demand, paving the way for a more inclusive approach to health and wellness.

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