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University of Malaya Research Ethics Committee – Non‑Medical (UMREC‑NM)

Overview

The University of Malaya Research Ethics Committee – Non‑Medical (UMREC‑NM) undertakes ethics review of all non-medical research involving human participants including funded and unfunded research.

The UMREC conducts an ethics review prior to the beginning of any research involving human participants. The UMREC examines the ethics components of the research such as, sound methodology, possible risks and benefits to the subjects, recruitment of subjects, consent from the subjects, confidentiality or anonymity for the subjects, the way in which the data is handled, and how feedback can be provided for the subjects. Please note that any data collection and participants recruitments for any purposes are strictly prohibited before obtaining ethical clearance.

More information is available in the following documents:

1. Code of Research Ethics
2. University of Malaya Manual of Responsible Research
3. Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQ)

LATEST NEWS

UMREC APPLICATION SYSTEM TRANSITION
 
Flexa Application System Has Closed for New Applications
Please be informed that the Flexa system is no longer accepting new UMREC ethics applications effective 23 September 2026, 6:01 PM. Researchers who wish to submit a new UMREC application are required to use the new UM Research Ethics Application System (UMREAS) online system which will be available from 1 November 2026.
 
For Existing Applications
Applicants whose new UMREC applications were endorsed by the Deputy Dean (Research) through Flexa between 23 July 2026, 6:01 PM until 28 September 2026, before 6:00 PM are advised that their applications are currently being processed and reviewed. The outcome of these applications is expected to start being communicated via email from early November 2026 onwards.
 
Note: Further information on UMREAS and the new application process will be provided on this website. Please check the website regularly for updates.  

FOR STUDIES USING SECONDARY DATA (NO NEW DATA COLLECTION FROM HUMAN PARTICIPANTS)

For studies using secondary data only (no new data collection from human participants), applicants must follow the exemption application process as outlined below.  

  • Please visit the following link to access the required forms: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1pULDbFfJlOmD6m6p6MsoQ8LLFNDfb3Fh?usp=sharing 
  • Applicants are required to complete:
    • Ethics Risk Assessment Checklist
    • Form A – Application for Exempt Research Review
  • Kindly submit the completed documents to UMREC via email.
  • UMREC will assess the application to determine whether it qualifies for exemption from ethics review.

Please see our SOP as below: 

IMPORTANT NOTE: 

  1. UMREC is currently handling a high number of applications. Delays may occur in processing revisions due to the high volume of applications. To check the progress of your ethics revision, please contact UMREC for assistance.
  2. Ethics clearance is to be obtained before the research project starts. Researchers should not approach or recruit participants or collect data for any purpose (including pilot study) prior to receiving ethical approval.
  3. UMREC does not accept applications involving patients. If your study involves recruiting this population, please submit your application to the appropriate ethics committee, in this case, UMMC-MREC.
  4. We do not provide retrospective reviews. Applications for research where data collection has already started or been completed will not be accepted.
  5. We require all applicants to submit early to meet the mandatory preliminary review deadline.
  6. We DO NOT provide urgent reviews. Therefore, please plan your research accordingly as any request for an expedited review will not be entertained.

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Contact Us

  • Dr. Lim Jia Wei
  • Chairperson
  • University of Malaya Research Ethics Committee – Non‑Medical (UMREC‑NM)

For enquiries on research ethics, please email to:

  • Encik Khairul Nizam Abil
  • Tel: +603-7967 7022 (ext. 2369)
  • Email: umrec@um.edu.my
Last Updated on October 7, 2026