A reduction in regional incentives for medical officers could exacerbate existing healthcare access issues in Sabah and Sarawak.
- The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) warns that revised allowances may discourage doctors from serving in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan.
- Newly appointed medical officers in these regions face allowance cuts exceeding 60 percent, in some cases dropping from RM960 to RM360 monthly.
- The MMA estimates restoring the original allowance structure would cost approximately RM4.2 million annually—a small fraction of national expenditures.
- The issue rests with the Public Service Department (JPA) and Ministry of Finance (MoF), not the Ministry of Health (MoH).
Sabah and Sarawak are bracing for a potential worsening of their already critical doctor shortages, following a significant reduction in regional incentives. The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) expressed serious concern on Friday that the revised Regional Incentive Allowance (BIW) under the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) will make it even harder to attract and retain medical professionals in these states.
Existing Challenges Amplified
The Ministry of Health (MoH) is currently struggling with medical officers declining postings to Sabah and Sarawak, according to MMA president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo. The revised BIW, he explained, has slashed allowances for new medical officers in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan by more than 60 percent—a reduction from RM960 to RM360 monthly in some instances.
“This change isn’t simply about the money,” Dr Thirunavukarasu stated. “It’s a clear signal of how we value the contributions of our doctors who choose to serve in these regions—whether in bustling urban centers or remote districts.”
Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan consistently grapple with structural challenges that make attracting healthcare workers difficult. These include a higher cost of living, logistical hurdles, strained manpower resources, and limited opportunities for professional development and advancement. These difficulties aren’t confined to rural areas; they permeate the entire healthcare ecosystem across these territories.
A Symbolic Cut
Dr Thirunavukarasu emphasized that the BIW was originally intended not as a bonus, but as a form of recognition—a modest acknowledgement of the unique difficulties faced by those serving in these territories. Cutting the allowance, therefore, sends a disheartening message to young doctors, implying their commitment and sacrifices are devalued based on their appointment date.
Doctors who choose to work in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan often make significant personal sacrifices, leaving behind family support networks, enduring long working hours, and operating in environments where demand frequently outstrips available resources. Their dedication is crucial to ensuring equitable healthcare access for all Malaysians, and deserves appropriate acknowledgement.
A Modest Investment
The MMA has already raised this issue with the highest levels of government, including the Prime Minister and relevant ministries. They have calculated that restoring the BIW to its original structure would require an estimated RM4.2 million annually. This figure is based on an assumption of approximately 700 new medical officers being posted to Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan each year, with a monthly shortfall of RM500 per officer under the revised system.
Dr Thirunavukarasu argued that, in the context of national expenditure, this is a relatively small sum—especially when compared to the billions lost annually through inefficiencies and mismanagement in other sectors.
He clarified that the issue does not stem from the MoH, which remains committed to equitable service delivery. Instead, the policy change falls under the jurisdiction of the Public Service Department (JPA) and Ministry of Finance (MoF). He urged these agencies to give the matter urgent and empathetic consideration.
The MMA is calling for the immediate reinstatement of the BIW at its original levels, extending eligibility to all officers regardless of their appointment date. Dr Thirunavukarasu stressed that this is not a demand, but a plea for fairness. “For those who dedicate their lives to caring for others, fair compensation isn’t a luxury—it’s a basic sign of respect,” he said. “When we support our healthcare workers, especially those serving in challenging environments, we uphold not only their morale but also our national dignity.”
