KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 3): The Health Ministry is now aiming to launch its Rakan KKM programme by the end of this year, beginning at the Cyberjaya Hospital, after missing its initial mid-year and subsequent third-quarter targets.

"InsyaAllah (God willing), before the end of this year, we want to see our first patient under the Rakan KKM elective service," said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad on Monday in the special chambers of Parliament.

The Rakan KKM initiative, which aims to provide “premium economy” services for non-emergency patients at selected public hospitals, was first announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the tabling of Budget 2025.

The programme allows patients to make out-of-pocket payments for value-added services such as personalised care, choice of specialists and enhanced ward privacy.

It is designed to help retain healthcare workers by offering them opportunities for additional income, while simultaneously generating revenue that will be reinvested into public hospitals.

The programme was initially scheduled to be rolled out by mid-year, before being postponed to the third quarter. In a written parliamentary reply on Oct 27, Dzulkefly confirmed that the launch would take place at the Cyberjaya Hospital, starting with orthopaedic and internal medicine services, though a specific launch date was not provided at the time.

The plan has faced criticism from various groups, including members of the public, parliamentarians, non-governmental organisations and medical associations. Critics have warned that the initiative could potentially create a two-tier public healthcare system where only those who can pay will be given a 'fast lane' for elective services, and open the door to privatisation.

On Monday, Dr Dzulkefly dismissed these claims, emphasising that the Health Ministry remains the custodian of the programme. He stressed that Rakan KKM Sdn Bhd, the corporate entity established for the initiative, is fully-owned by the Minister of Finance Incorporated (MOF Inc).

He also affirmed that any future equity participation will only involve government-linked investment companies (GLICs).

“There is nothing like privatisation. Rakan KKM is a partnership involving three parties. The whole team — not just the specialists but also nurses — will be compensated when GLICs come in later. It’s going to be a win-win-win situation,” he said.

Dzulkefly also confirmed that Rakan KKM, despite being a Health Ministry initiative, will be subject to the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 2006 (Act 586).

"As Rakan KKM Sdn Bhd is a corporate entity, it will be regulated under the act to ensure compliance, even though it is a government initiative. This will also ensure a level playing field between Rakan KKM and private healthcare providers," he added.