By Nesamalar Kathirvellu
KUALA LUMPUR, 26 September 2025: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has unequivocally dismissed widely circulated claims that childhood vaccines and paracetamol use during pregnancy cause autism. In an official statement today, Health Director General Datuk Dr. Mahathar Abd Wahab stressed that current scientific evidence provides no support for these links.
Dr. Mahathar affirmed that high-quality studies across multiple countries have repeatedly shown “no link between vaccines and autism.” The statement aims to reassure the public and correct persistent misinformation regarding core public health measures.
The MOH addressed specific concerns regarding paracetamol, a common pain and fever reliever. According to the Director General, paracetamol “is still considered among the safest options when taken at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration,” based on current medical practice and clinical guidelines.
The Ministry strongly advised that pregnant women experiencing fever or pain should still use paracetamol when necessary, following advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Separately, the MOH cautioned the public against using folinic acid, also known as leucovorin, as a treatment for autism. Dr. Mahathar highlighted that scientific evidence supporting this claim remains “limited to small studies in certain groups.”
The Director-General concluded that large scale clinical trials are still required before the medication can be deemed a safe and effective treatment for autism. The MOH urged the public to disregard statements unsupported by robust scientific evidence and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a rigorous vaccine safety monitoring system.
