He said the ministry viewed each complaint seriously and investigations would be carried out before enforcement measures, including raids, were taken under the provisions of the Act.

He said MoH was aware of these activities, which also involved those who provided illegal dental training that could result in adverse effects and threaten people’s health.

“Curbing these rampant illegal dental activities, involving those providing treatment or those receiving treatment, as well as the people providing unauthorised training, is a shared responsibility,” he said in a statement.

The statement was issued following several articles focusing on fake dentists published in local English-language newspapers on July 4 and 5.

Act 804, which came into force on Jan 1, states only qualified, authorised and professional practitioners will be registered and eligible to provide dental services, while Section 62(1) of the Act prohibits those who are not registered from practising dentistry.

Under Section 62(3) of the same Act, offenders can be fined up to RM300,000 or jailed for up to six years or both if convicted.

Noor Hisham said the public can file an official complaint regarding the illegal activity to the Dental Health Programme, MoH, Level 5 Block E10, Complex E, Presint 1 Federal Government Administration Centre, 62590 Putrajaya, adding that complaints could also be made via telephone at 03-8883 4215 or email [email protected].