Khairy said such therapies not only help maintain health but are important interventions for rehabilitative care.

He said Malaysia acknowledged the World Health Organization’s efforts to increase the benefits of T&CM.

“For traditional medicine, Malaysia’s diverse population presents us with an opportunity to draw on the wealth of knowledge and practices of the Malays, Chinese, Indians, the Islamic world and our many indigenous communities.

“T&CM makes an important contribution here, especially as more people take ownership of their health,” he said at the WHO 72nd session of the regional committee for the Western Pacific (RCM72).

Khairy said Malaysia will ensure that T&CM and its practices co-exist with modern medicine in the healthcare system.

“Malaysia has always been an enthusiastic participant in WHO’s efforts to develop T&CM locally and across borders.

“Malaysia supports and is looking forward to embracing and assisting in implementing the regional framework for harnessing traditional and complementary medicine for achieving health and well-being in the Western Pacific,” he said.