The Ministry of Health remains committed to retaining medical professionals in Malaysia despite having no legal authority to prevent them from pursuing opportunities abroad, said Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad.
In response to recent reports of Singaporean hospitals actively recruiting Malaysian doctors with competitive remuneration packages, Dzulkefly emphasized that while cross-border recruitment cannot be prohibited, the ministry is implementing proactive measures to retain talent within the national healthcare system.
“We are not delaying appointments. As soon as vacancies arise, we move swiftly to fill them with qualified contract doctors already in the system,” he said.
He explained that the ministry is expediting the conversion of contract doctors to permanent positions, recognising the country’s urgent need for experienced medical professionals.
“Labour mobility is an individual right and is consistent with the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) and the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS), which promote regional workforce mobility. However, we are focused on retaining our doctors, specialists, and highly trained nurses,” he added.
Dzulkefly also addressed the origins of the contract doctor system, noting that it was implemented in response to an oversupply of medical graduates and limited permanent placements over the past decade.
“That situation has changed. The number of new medical graduates has declined significantly, which gives the ministry more flexibility to offer permanent positions,” he said.
Reports indicate that a recruitment event by Singapore hospitals is scheduled to take place at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur next month, targeting Malaysian medical professionals.
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