Review incentives, MMA urges govt after doctor no-shows in East M’sia

The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has called on the government to reassess incentives and return to the percentage-based regional incentive payment (BIW) for doctors stationed in East Malaysia. This recommendation stems from reports that 70% to 76% of medical officers assigned to permanent posts in Sabah and Sarawak did not report for duty on September 28.

MMA President Dr L Sivanaesan highlighted that the existing fixed payment system for the BIW had diminished the incentive's value for doctors serving in Sabah and Sarawak. The president further suggested that the government should reconsider the amount of relocation assistance provided to doctors, emphasizing that the aid should be granted before relocation rather than through a claims process months later.

The MMA also advocates for the introduction of a specialized East Malaysia service allowance for medical officers, complemented by supplementary incentives such as housing assistance, transport support, and retention bonuses. Additionally, there should be clarity regarding the length of East Malaysia postings. Doctors who prefer to serve in Peninsular Malaysia should be offered a clearly defined term of service in Sabah or Sarawak, with a transparent process for returning to Peninsular Malaysia once their service period in East Malaysia concludes.

Dr Sivanaesan urged the government to enhance living and working conditions for medical officers, as well as offer rewards for those working in underserved areas, coupled with meaningful career progression. This can be achieved by counting rural service towards postgraduate training, specialist pathways, promotions, and preferred future placements, he stated.

Ultimately, he emphasized that compulsory postings and administrative directives alone are insufficient to address this issue; doctors require compelling reasons to accept and remain in these postings.