BY TAGGING the title of 'Dr' in front of their names, they tried to pass off as medically-trained doctors who could treat cancers and heart diseases.

But a raid by the Malaysian health authorities exposed these 20 people to be nothing more than traditional healers.

And worse, all the clinics they operated in were not registered with the government, reported Harian Metro.

The discovery has led to a closure of seven clinic branches across Malaysia in Johor, Selangor, Pahang, Terengganu and Sarawak.

Health officials from Malaysia's pharmaceutical department acted on a tip-off and began raiding the branches since 10 June.

Investigations showed that the founder of the chain did not have a certificate proving him to be a doctor.

The 50-year-old started the business a few years ago offering all sorts of medical and alternative therapies to patients.

Officials said they found nearly 200 bottles of traditional herbal medicines used as medication for all sorts of ailments, five of which targets bone pains.

All are worth more than RM1,000 ($420).

These herbal cures, none of which have got an approval stamp from Malaysia's health ministry, are smuggled from China.

Said a department spokesman: 'The founder operated these clinics together with another man who also claims to be a doctor.

'Just by looking through their pamphlets, the clinic not only offered modern medication but alternative methods such as reflexology, homeopathy, among others.

'It even claims to be able to treat cancer and heart disease and stop addictions to drugs, smoking and alcohol.'

EVIDENCE

With evidence in hand, the officials swooped in on the other six clinics simultaneously.

None of the doctors had certification.

Officials said there are 10 branches in all, with two overseas.

A spokesman from the Malaysian Medical Council said it is aware that a handful of doctors who run their own clinics hire quacks and try to pass them off as doctors for larger profits.

He urged the public to be wary of those who promise effective treatments for cheaper prices.

If found guilty, the 20 can be charged up to RM25,000 ($10,500) for each charge of selling unapproved drugs and another RM3,000 ($1,270) for pretending to be doctors.

This article was first published in The New Paper on August 13, 2008.