PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has expressed concern over reports of high "no-show" rates among medical officers assigned to permanent postings in Sabah and Sarawak.
The medical body urged the government to take action by reverting to a percentage-based allowance and introducing incentives to attract and retain healthcare workers in East Malaysia.
MMA President Dr Sivanaesan Letchumanan pointed to reports which said that a number of medical officers failed to report for their permanent postings on Sept 28.
"Some facilities reportedly received no new medical officers, while others recorded no-show rates of between 70% and 76%," Dr Sivanaesan said in a statement on Thursday (Oct 1). He called on authorities to verify and make the official figures public.
He said that the recent trend of contract medical officers declining these offers serves as a warning that conditions in East Malaysia are deterring healthcare professionals.
"This is not simply about permanent versus contract employment," Dr Sivanaesan explained. "Doctors may be required to relocate far from their families, bear substantial moving costs, and serve in severely understaffed facilities with demanding workloads and, in some areas, inadequate accommodation and support."
Dr Sivanaesan said that workforce shortages and retention strategies were recently discussed during a meeting with Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
"We must stop blaming doctors and start asking why the system is failing to attract and retain them," he said. "An empty post does not treat a patient. A permanent appointment without a credible retention strategy is merely a number on paper."
To tackle the issue, the MMA lists several recommendations for government action, starting with financial and compensation reforms.
The association called for a return to the previous percentage-based Regional Incentive Payment (BIW). Additionally, it recommended establishing a dedicated East Malaysia service allowance for medical officers, accompanied by supplementary incentives.
Beyond direct allowances, the MMA urged the government to overhaul relocation assistance and clarify posting terms. Moving allowances should be reviewed to reflect actual costs and disbursed prior to relocation.
For doctors whose long-term goal is to serve in Peninsular Malaysia, the association proposed setting clear, fixed timeframes for East Malaysia postings, supported by a transparent transfer pathway upon completion.
Finally, the recommendations addressed living standards and long-term career growth. The MMA said that rural living quarters must be upgraded to ensure they are safe, well-maintained, and equipped with reliable water, electricity, internet connectivity, and transport options.
To further motivate medical professionals, the association said that rural service should count toward career progression, directly supporting postgraduate training, specialist pathways, promotions, and preferred future placements.
With Budget 2027 on the horizon, the association hoped that the government would allocate resources to strengthen healthcare incentives, upgrade living conditions, and improve workforce retention.
The MMA reiterated its call for Malaysia's public healthcare budget to be increased to 5% of the gross domestic product (GDP).
