PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry is considering increasing allowances for nurses to stem the outflow of Malaysians seeking work overseas, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The Health Minister said the ministry is also looking to hire more nurses, alongside enhancing allowances, including those for post-basic programmes.
“I am aware of the situation and action is being taken,” he told reporters after the World Hearing Day 2026 celebration here on Friday (April 10).
He was responding to a report by MBSB Research, which said Malaysia is facing a critical shortage of nurses.
The research house also highlighted a wage war in the private healthcare sector, as facilities compete to retain nurses and prevent them from leaving for overseas opportunities.
Acknowledging the issue, Dzulkefly said it stemmed from legacy problems, including past moratoriums on nursing courses.
“Today we are facing supply constraints,” he said, adding that the shortage is affecting both the public healthcare system and the private sector.
