Cover image via If you've just found out you're pregnant, congratulations!
One of the first official things you'll need to sort out is getting the Pink Book, or Rekod Kesihatan Ibu.
This pink-coloured booklet is provided by the Health Ministry (MOH) and acts as your official health record during pregnancy. It's used primarily in government health facilities, but even private patients are encouraged to have one — especially if referral to government facilities is needed due to complications.
Here's everything you need to know about registering for one and what it contains.
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So, what exactly is the Pink Book, and why is it important?
The Pink Book is a physical booklet that documents all the essential medical details of your pregnancy journey. It's not just a record of your check-ups, it's also a tool that doctors and nurses use to monitor your pregnancy health, track your baby's development, and detect early complications.
The contents are standardised across Malaysia and include:
- Your personal biodata
- Past pregnancies (if any)
- Family medical history (e.g. diabetes, hypertension)
- Blood pressure and weight readings
- Urine test results
- Blood type and rhesus status
- Ultrasound scan reports
- Blood sugar and haemoglobin levels
- Screening for infectious diseases (e.g. HIV, syphilis, Hep B)
- Immunisation records (e.g. tetanus injection)
- Supplement schedule (e.g. folic acid, iron tablets)
- Birth planning form (to note your delivery preferences and hospital of choice)
IMPORTANT: The Pink Book is for the mother's medical history only. It does not include the baby's postnatal records. After delivery, your baby will be issued a separate record, usually a blue (boy) or pink (girl) book, for vaccinations and child development tracking.
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Next, here's a detailed guide on how (and when) to register for the Pink Book at a Klinik Kesihatan (KK):
The Pink Book is issued free of charge at all government KKs, so even if you're planning to deliver privately, you can still register here for routine antenatal care or as a precaution.
STEP 1: Get a pregnancy confirmation
Before you can register, you'll need a formal pregnancy confirmation slip. You can get this from:
- Any private GP or panel clinic
- Klinik Kesihatan (walk-in test available)
- Private obstetrics and gynaecology (OBGYN) or maternity clinic
Some KKs might do the pregnancy test as part of your registration, but it's faster if you bring your own confirmation.
STEP 2: Visit your nearest KK based on address
Klinik Kesihatan are assigned by residential zone, so you must go to the branch that covers your IC or home address. Walk-ins are generally accepted, but it's better to call ahead and make an appointment for your first antenatal visit.
To find your nearest clinic, you can:
- Use the MOH directory
- Ask your local district health office (Pejabat Kesihatan Daerah)
- Call 03-8883 3888 (MOH hotline)
STEP 3: Prepare your documents
Bring the following with you:
- Original IC
- Partner's IC (if available)
- Marriage certificate (some clinics require this, especially in stricter districts)
- Pregnancy confirmation letter
- Medical records or referral letters (if you've already seen a doctor privately)
- Medication list if you're on any prescriptions
STEP 4: Attend your first antenatal appointment
At this visit, a nurse will:
- Register you into the system
- Open your Pink Book
- Conduct a full health history review
- Take your weight, height, blood pressure, and urine sample
- Send you for blood tests and (if you're due) your first scan
- Start you on supplements like folic acid and iron
You'll be assigned a nurse or doctor who will follow your case, and a schedule of follow-up appointments will be printed inside your Pink Book.
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Many Malaysian mothers today choose to give birth at private hospitals due to shorter wait times and continuity of care with a single OBGYN specialist.
In such cases, you might wonder, "Do I still need the Pink Book?"
In short, it's not mandatory, but it's recommended.
If you're delivering at a fully private hospital, the Pink Book is not compulsory, and your private OBGYN specialist will usually provide their own medical record.
However, if complications arise and you need to be referred to a government hospital, having an up-to-date Pink Book makes that process smoother.
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