The Health Ministry is considering allocating 30% of its federal specialist training scholarships to medical officers serving in Sabah and Sarawak, as it seeks to tackle persistent staffing shortages and improve doctor retention in both states.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the proposed allocation would reserve approximately 500 places from the 1,650 slots currently available under the Federal Training Scholarship programme.
He said the initiative reflects the ministry’s commitment to recognising the contributions and sacrifices of medical officers serving in Sabah and Sarawak while strengthening their career development opportunities.
Dzulkefly highlighted that the proposal comes amid continued challenges in attracting doctors to take up permanent postings in the two states.
He revealed that only 673 of 1,055 medical officers, or approximately 63%, had reported for duty in Sabah and Sarawak following the latest placement exercise.
In Sarawak, 337 of 527 medical officers accepted their postings, while Sabah recorded 336 arrivals from 528 offers.
The latest figures represent only a modest improvement from the 42% no-show rate recorded between 2020 and 2025, with the rate declining by five percentage points.
Dzulkefly attributed the reluctance to accept postings to family separation, personal financial constraints, high relocation costs and a preference for urban healthcare facilities.
He said concerns over limited specialist training opportunities, career progression and difficulties securing transfers back to Peninsular Malaysia also contributed to the situation.
To address the staffing challenges, the ministry has upgraded its e-housemen placement system and enhanced relocation benefits for medical officers receiving permanent appointments.
Eligible officers can now claim full transfer allowances covering meals, accommodation, travel expenses and other related benefits.
Those returning to their home regions may also receive a disturbance allowance equivalent to one month’s basic salary.
Meanwhile, Dzulkefly indicated that the government is considering ending the contract appointment system for medical officers, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expected to make an announcement soon.
He said abolishing the contract system had been among his priorities since returning to lead the ministry, adding that the proposal had already been considered.
