Malaysia's government-run clinics still accept walk-in patients: health ministry

"No more walk-ins at government clinics," reads part of a Malay-language Facebook post shared on December 30, 2025.

It includes a screenshot of another post spreading the same claim and saying the policy would begin in January 2026.

Malaysia's highly subsidised public healthcare sector -- where citizens pay a nominal amount of RM1 (US$0.25) to see a doctor and RM5 to see a specialist at a clinic -- has struggled with overcrowding and manpower shortages (archived here, here and here).

The public are encouraged to make an appointment before visiting a government-run clinic, with the health ministry saying in a post on its official Facebook page that this helps to "improve patient management and reduce congestion at health facilities" (archived link).

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Screenshot of the false post captured on January 5, 2026, with a red X added by AFP

The same claim was shared elsewhere on Facebook and Instagram.

But a keyword search on Google led to a post denying the claim shared by the health ministry on its official Facebook page on January 1 (archived link).

"Although the appointment system is the main method, space for walk-in patients is still provided, especially for emergency cases, senior citizens and groups with limited access to technology," the ministry said.

"Patients without appointments will still be attended to but must first go through an assessment process."

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Screenshot of the ministry's statement posted on Facebook

AFP's fact check journalist in Malaysia called a government run clinic on January 5 and was told "appointments are preferred but walk-ins are still accepted". 

AFP has debunked other false claims about purported policies implemented by the Malaysian government.