The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has reminded the public not to treat health notifications from smartwatches or wearable devices as medical diagnoses.
MMA president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo said while such devices can alert users to potential irregularities, they should be seen only as reminders to seek professional medical advice.
“Do not ignore such notifications, but do not rely on them alone,” he said. “Consult a doctor who can confirm the readings using proper medical equipment such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) machine.”
Dr Thirunavukarasu noted that movement, poor skin contact, or signal interference could trigger false alerts. He also cautioned that not all smartwatch health features are approved for use in Malaysia, and users should verify a device’s registration with the Medical Device Authority (MDA) at mdar.mda.gov.my.
He added that many models include disclaimers stating their ECG or blood pressure features are only approved in certain countries.
Tech analyst and influencer Eizuwan Eizuddin warned that counterfeit or cloned smartwatches—often sold online at a fraction of branded prices—are a major source of false readings.
“Many of these fakes have preset or fabricated readings that can cause unnecessary panic,” he said, adding that some could even register a ‘heartbeat’ when strapped to a cucumber.
Eizuwan, who holds a degree in sports science, said sensor quality and proper wear are crucial for accuracy.
“Smartwatches can provide a useful first alert, but they are not substitutes for professional diagnosis. Inaccurate readings may occur if the watch is worn loosely, or if users have wrist tattoos or excessive hair,” he added.
As wearable health technology continues to grow in popularity, experts stress that while these devices can support health monitoring, they should complement—not replace—medical assessment.
