The Introduction and Localisation of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Malaysia

Abstract

This thesis discusses how traditional Chinese medicine was introduced to Malaysia. History records show that traditional Chinese medicine was first introduced to Malaysia in the year 1405 while 1796 saw the establishment of Malaysia's first Chinese medicine shop. With the popularization of Chinese medicine, Chinese medicine education and organizations were established. Traditional Chinese Medicine has gradually been recognized by the Malaysian government due to the efforts of the practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine. In 2004, the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Department was established at the prestigious National Cancer Institute to improve quality of life as well as provide opportunities for cure to cancer patients.