Ethics and the Law on End-of-Life Decisions in Malaysia

This book provides a timely and in-depth examination of end-of-life care in Malaysia, focusing on the ethical and legal dimensions that underpin one of the most sensitive areas of modern medical practice. As medical technology advances and the use of life-sustaining treatments become more widespread, the boundaries between life and death grow increasingly complex — raising profound questions about how such decisions should be made and regulated. In Malaysia, end-of-life care remains a sensitive area of public discourse, as the nation faces the realities of an aging population in transition. This book explores the ethical tensions that arise when determining the appropriate course of care at the final stages of life, especially when balancing professional judgment, religious values, and the wishes of patients and families. It also critically examines the current legal landscape, highlighting the absence of a dedicated statutory framework to govern end-of-life decisions and the resulting implications for medical practitioners and patients alike. The discussion on patients’ rights brings to light the need for clear legal recognition of the right to refuse treatment, the validity of advance medical directives, and the importance of shared decision-making in end-of-life scenarios. Structured around five key chapters, and drawing on Malaysian law and comparative common law perspectives, the book presents a comprehensive and contextualised analysis of the challenges at hand. It concludes with recommendations aimed at guiding the development of a coherent, culturally sensitive, and ethically sound regulatory framework for end-of-life care in Malaysia. This book is essential reading for legal professionals, healthcare providers, policymakers, bioethicists, and scholars interested in medical law and ethics in the Malaysian context.