Poisons (Amendment) Bill 2019 readings postponed, awaiting stakeholders views

The second and third readings of the Poisons (Amendment) Bill 2019, which were scheduled for today, have been postponed to the next Dewan Rakyat session to get more views from stakeholders.

Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad (photo) said he sought a postponement to hear the views and opinions of important stakeholders in improving the bill.

“I will call for another session to discuss the matter (with the relevant stakeholders) at a later time and date in line with what I have said so that a consensus could be reached and carried out smoothly,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby today.

The bill, which was tabled for first reading at the Dewan Rakyat session on Nov 25, among others requires registered medical practitioners to issue prescriptions at the request of their patients.

It is to ensure that patients' rights are protected by giving them the option, after the consultation session, to decide where to fill their prescriptions, whether at the medical facility itself or at an outside pharmacy.

- Bernama