Only a registered veterinary surgeon in Malaysia (Section 17 (1)) can apply for an annual practicing certificate.   Non-governmental organizations/associations cannot apply for an annual practicing certificate or seek exemption for an annual practicing certificate.

A person can be registered as a veterinary surgeon in Malaysia if he meets the qualifications as listed in the Second Schedule of the Act. However an application of an annual practicing certificate is an exception and is at the prerogative of the council Section 17(2) of the said Act and other laws in operation in Malaysia which include the Immigration Act or Employment Act. 

In the majority of cases an Temporary Permit to Practice (TPP) may be considered.

All veterinary surgeons who wish to practice shall be required to apply for an APC. For veterinary surgeons who are intend to practice in more than 1 premise, the applicant shall request for additional copies of APC at the specified fee.

An APC can only be issued if the Council is satisfied that the proposed conduct of veterinary medicine by the applicant in the proposed premise (fixed building) is suitable for such practice. The APC may include conditions and restriction in the practice of veterinary medicine.

In addition veterinary surgeons in public office who carry out their function as a Veterinary Officer or Authority and those in approved institutions of higher learning or education are required to have an APC or a TPP and shall pay fees for an application for an APC/TPP.

The APC holder is reminded that there are datelines for the re-application for the renewal of the certificate and additional fees may be imposed for the renewal of the application can be reviewed by the Council where it deems fit.

The registrar will issue to all veterinary surgeons (that are eligible) an annual practicing certificate for an ensuing year on application. This certificate must be displayed by the veterinary surgeon at the premise in a conspicuous place. The certificate will state the name, address of the premise, the conditions and restrictions for which the certificate is issued to and the duration of validity of the certificate.

Additionally any person can request from the registrar or the secretary of the council in writing to inquire if a veterinary surgeon has a valid annual practicing certificate for an ensuing year.

Yes, a registered veterinary surgeon can apply to insert more than one premise address in the application for an APC. However, approval is subject to the verification of the Council if there is sufficient grounds by the applicant that the satisfactory service standards and premise setup is adequate for the practice. This includes working days and hours, ensuring that if the practitioner is a sole practitioner, that no practice of veterinary medicine can take place in his absence.

A premise is a fixed building, non-residential/domestic in location unless allowed so by the local government authorities.  Mobile practices will not be considered unless under specific circumstances are allowed by the council.

The onus is on the applicant to provide proof that these requirements can be met and if when an APC is issued, if the requirements could not be met, the applicant has to inform the Council, or otherwise commits an offence under the Act.