KUCHING: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has welcomed the formation of an inter-ministerial panel to address Malaysia’s shortage of doctors and specialists, particularly in Sarawak and Sabah.
Its president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo commended Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad for taking what he described as a bold step, noting that the crisis requires a whole-of-government approach.
He said MMA is encouraged by the minister’s leadership and commitment, but stressed that strong execution is now crucial after years of well-intentioned initiatives failing at the implementation stage.
“The inter-ministerial task force will only succeed if it operates with binding timelines and clear ownership.
“The Ministry of Finance (MOF) and Public Service Department (JPA), which both report directly to the prime minister, require a clear mandate, alignment, and accountability at that level to ensure implementation does not stall,” he told Sarawak Tribune when contacted.
On incentives for Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan postings, he said MMA has raised concerns over reduced Belanja Imbuhan Wilayah (BIW) allowances and has already brought the matter directly to the Prime Minister.
“The revised BIW has reduced allowances by more than 60 per cent, from RM960 to RM360 monthly in some cases,” he said.
He called for the immediate reinstatement of BIW to its original structure for all eligible medical officers, regardless of appointment date.
“The estimated cost of restoring BIW is around RM4.2 million annually — this is not a financial burden, it is a political choice. Make it now,” he stressed.
He also warned that Malaysia’s public healthcare system is losing specialists due to heavy workloads, limited career progression, and unclear training pathways.
He said reforms are needed, including expanding Senior Public Service Posts (JUSA) posts and creating transparent career pathways to retain medical specialists.
Additionally, Dr Thirunavukarasu also proposed the establishment of an independent Health Services Commission outside the civil service framework to manage healthcare manpower more effectively.
“It should have its own dedicated funding and manpower authority, fully outside the JPA civil service framework, as long as healthcare manpower remains under a one-size-fits-all civil service structure, meaningful reform will remain limited,” he said.
