By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 9: A dedicated 30 per cent quota for specialist training programmes will be established for medical officers serving in Sabah and Sarawak, alongside additional merit points for those applying for specialist training and study leave.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the measures were aimed at recognising the contributions and sacrifices of medical officers serving in the two states, while addressing concerns over career progression.
He said this in Parliament yesterday (Oct 8), outlining the government’s efforts to encourage more medical officers to accept placements in Sabah and Sarawak.
“For Phase Two of 2026, a total of 1,055 placement offers were issued to medical officers for Sabah and Sarawak, of whom 669, or about 64 per cent, reported for duty.
“Of the 527 posts offered in Sarawak, 337 medical officers reported for duty, while in Sabah, 336 out of 528 reported for duty,” he said in a social media post.
Dr Dzulkefly said the overall reporting-for-duty rate had increased by 4.38 per cent compared with the previous year, describing it as a positive trend.
He congratulated and thanked the medical officers who had accepted the placements and answered the call to serve communities in Borneo.
However, he acknowledged the concerns of those who declined the offers, citing separation from family, relocation and logistical costs, health issues, and uncertainties surrounding career advancement and specialist training opportunities.
“These are genuine challenges that we do not take lightly,” he said.
To ease the financial burden of relocation, the government has introduced several support measures, including full coverage of relocation costs, which took effect in 2025.
“Other assistance includes a 100 per cent transfer allowance covering meals, accommodation, travel fares and the transportation of personal belongings,” he said.
Medical officers serving in Sabah and Sarawak are also eligible for regional placement incentives, including housing allowances ranging from RM830 to RM1,300, an allowance of RM360, and specialist allowances ranging from RM500 to RM2,500.
Those posted to remote areas are eligible for additional incentives of between RM500 and RM1,500 a month, depending on the location and the level of hardship associated with their posting.
Dr Dzulkefly said these measures were intended to improve the welfare of healthcare personnel, recognise their sacrifices and strengthen their career development prospects.
The ministry is also introducing a smarter ePlacement system that uses algorithm-based technology to issue placement decisions earlier, giving medical officers more time to prepare for their assignments.
He said the initiatives were part of broader efforts to ensure equitable access to healthcare services, particularly for communities in remote and underserved areas.
Dr Dzulkefly stressed that the dedication of medical officers serving in Sabah and Sarawak was vital to ensuring that no community was left behind in accessing quality healthcare. — DayakDaily
