What is UMP? How Malaysia’s new free medicine delivery service works and how to apply

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 30 — The government yesterday launched the subsidised Ubat Melalui Pos (Postal Service for Medicines) programme, which it said would benefit more than 85,000 patients.

While the programme began in 2011, this is the first time medicines sent through the national postal service will be fully subsidised.

The free delivery service is set to run for a year and is estimated to cost RM5 million. It may be extended later.

Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil waves the Jalur Gemilang to flag off a Pos Malaysia delivery rider, accompanied by Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching and Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, during the launch of the Medicine Delivery via Post (UMP) Funding Initiative at the Communications Ministry in Putrajaya, September 29, 2026. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

What is UMP?

UMP is a government service that delivers long-term repeat prescriptions, such as daily tablets or capsules for chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes or heart disease, directly to a patient’s doorstep via PosLaju.

The programme is meant to help patients receive their monthly medication without needing to travel, queue or wait at government health clinics (klinik kesihatan) or public hospitals.

The MOH has described the programme as an official value-added service it operates in partnership with Pos Malaysia, the national postal service company.

Previously, patients paid a small PosLaju delivery fee of between RM5.30 and RM12.50, depending on the region.

The government announced that starting October 1, 2026, delivery fees will be 100 per cent subsidised by the government, making postage entirely free for eligible patients.

Who qualifies?

Only those who meet certain conditions.

First, patients must have an active prescription. They must hold a valid, long-term follow-up prescription from an official MOH facility, such as a government hospital or Klinik Kesihatan. Non-MOH facilities such as university hospitals (PPUM, HUKM, HUSM) or military hospitals do not use this system.

Second, only eligible medication can be delivered under UMP — specifically solid oral medications such as tablets and capsules that do not require cold-chain refrigeration or special liquid handling. Refrigerated items, psychotropics and liquids must still be collected in person.

The third criterion is patient stability. The patient’s condition and treatment plan must be deemed stable by the attending MOH doctor or pharmacist.

Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil (fifth left), Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (fourth left) and Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching (centre) pose with other officials during the launch of the Medicine Delivery via Post (UMP) Funding Initiative at the Communications Ministry in Putrajaya, September 29, 2026. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

How does a patient apply for the service?

It can be done online or at the counter.

To apply online, install the official MyUBAT app and select new account registration. Enter your full name, IC number, active phone number and email address. Malaysian citizens can also authenticate via MyDigital ID. Once registered, select new application and then the UMP delivery option. Online applications will still be subject to approval.

In-person registration is also encouraged. Patients or their authorised caregivers can visit the pharmacy counter at their attending MOH health clinic or hospital.

Present the original prescription, IC and physical appointment book or card to the pharmacist to enrol in the UMP service directly.