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Malaysia Bolsters Healthcare Workforce with Expanded Nursing Programs and Incentives
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Malaysia is taking decisive steps to address critical shortages in its healthcare system,focusing on increasing the number of qualified nurses and retaining existing medical professionals.
The ministry of Health (MOH) is prioritizing the expansion of nursing education and offering enhanced incentives to medical staff, particularly those serving in challenging rural locations. These measures come in response to growing concerns about staffing levels in district hospitals and rural clinics, fueled by rising resignation rates among doctors and nurses.
Lifting the Moratorium on nursing Programs
A key component of the MOH’s strategy involves increasing the output of nursing graduates. Following the lifting of a 2010 moratorium on new Diploma in Nursing programs on August 1, 2024, 15 private higher education institutions (IPTS) have already begun offering these programs. “as of September 2025, a total of 6,059 Diploma in Nursing trainees, comprising intakes from 2023 through to 2025, are currently studying at the institute,” a senior official stated during a recent parliamentary session.
The ministry has also significantly increased enrollment at its own training institute (ILKKM), with 3,343 trainees enrolled this year – a considerable increase from the 935 recruited in 2023. These trainees are expected to enter phased service between 2026 and 2028 after completing their studies and registering with the Malaysian Nursing Board.
Addressing Immediate Staffing Needs
To mitigate immediate shortages, the MOH has moved to offer permanent appointments to existing contract workers. This year, 4,518 contract medical officers and 3,254 nurses have been offered permanent positions. The ministry plans to extend this offer to 4,500 contract medical officers and 935 nursing graduates from ILKKM in the coming year.
Furthermore, 3,290 medical graduates have been recruited for postgraduate training this year, assuming the UD9-grade Medical Officer position.
Tackling resignation Rates with Financial Incentives
Despite these efforts, the MOH acknowledges a growing trend of resignations among medical professionals. Data from 2022 to 2024 reveals an average resignation rate of approximately 0.84 percent for medical officers and 0.66 percent for nurses against the annual establishment.
To combat this, the government is implementing a series of financial incentives. These include the Pre-Gazette Specialist Incentive payment, a 15 percent salary increase under the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), and a roughly 40 percent increase in the On Call Duty Allowance.
Supporting Rural Healthcare Workers
Recognizing the challenges faced by those serving in remote areas, the MOH continues to offer location-specific incentives.These include the Location and Difficulty Allowance (BIMLTK), ranging from RM500 to RM1,500 per month, and the Interior incentive Payment, ranging from RM135 to RM165 per month.
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