Two groups representing medical practitioners are urging the Health Ministry (KKM) to rethink its plan to ease the chronic doctor shortage in Sabah and Sarawak.

They welcome the offer of 750 permanent posts but question whether it is attractive or large enough to meet the two states’ needs.

Health Ministry Urged to Rethink Plan for Doctor Shortage in East Malaysia

Their main concern is that the posts are offered at grade UD10, the entry grade for medical officers. Hartal Doktor Kontrak spokesman Dr Muhammad Yassin said it is a second chance to serve but may not suit senior doctors, and called for at least UD12, plus fair incentives and salary adjustments.

AbiMedik Foundation president Dr Shahrizal Azwan Samsudin said many officers left KKM after the contract scheme began in 2016 because of uncertain career prospects, and many now have specialist training or long experience.

KKM’s special recruitment is open to contract medical officers who did housemanship between 5 December 2016 and 14 October 2024, including those whose contracts have ended.

Shahrizal urged better infrastructure and higher regional allowances, and the same recruitment for nurses and paramedics. Malaysiakini has contacted KKM for comment.