Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Only 63% of doctors assigned to Sabah, Sarawak report for duty
Malaysia's Health Ministry is reviewing its placement scheme for medical professionals after more than one-third of doctors offered postings in East Malaysia failed to report for their assignments.
LSN Malaysia ·
KUALA LUMPUR — The Ministry of Health has flagged concerns over low compliance rates among newly assigned medical personnel destined for Sabah and Sarawak, with only 63 per cent of offered doctors actually taking up their positions.
The shortfall has prompted the ministry to undertake a comprehensive review of its implementation framework for posting officers to the two states. Health Ministry officials attributed the gaps to various factors affecting doctor availability and willingness to accept placements in East Malaysian facilities.
The discovery underscores ongoing challenges in distributing healthcare resources equitably across Malaysia's regions. Sabah and Sarawak, which span vast geographical areas with dispersed populations, have historically faced difficulty in attracting and retaining medical staff compared to peninsular urban centres.
The ministry's review is expected to examine incentive structures, posting procedures, and support mechanisms to improve acceptance rates among medical professionals. Officials indicated that adjustments to the current system could be implemented to enhance recruitment outcomes and ensure adequate medical coverage in both states.
The issue reflects broader healthcare workforce planning concerns as Malaysia seeks to strengthen medical services across all regions, particularly in rural and remote areas where doctor shortages remain acute.