MOH to reopen four training institutes next year amid critical nurse shortage

Kota Kinabalu, Aug 15 — To tackle the acute shortage of nurses, the Ministry of Health (MOH) plans to reopen four training institutes next year, according to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. The three main strategies include boosting nursing graduates, expanding career pathways, and improving staffing management. Currently, there are 10,557 vacant Grade U5 nurse positions out of a total of 73,281.

The MOH intends to admit 3,000 nurse trainees annually starting 2025, with plans to outsource up to 2,000 trainees to public and private higher education institutions. Four ILKKM branches in Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Muar, and Penang will reopen by October 2027, adding approximately 500 trainee slots. This will increase the total capacity of the Diploma in Nursing program to 5,500 trainees per year.

The MOH will also introduce 15 On-the-Job Training (OJT) programs starting September, allowing professionals to upgrade skills without extensive leave. Additionally, community nurses can transition to the profession through a Transition Diploma. The Public Service Department has granted MOH autonomy in staffing management, enabling quicker patient care.