Why warm welcomes can’t stop Malaysia’s doctor exodus from Borneo
On Facebook, public hospitals in Malaysia’s Bornean states have been rolling out “Selamat Datang” [welcome] banner posts to embrace medical staff reporting for duty. Tawau Hospital on Sabah’s east coast recently published a group photograph welcoming newly arrived medical officers. Kinabatangan Hospital posted similar banners hailing arrivals across various departments, while in neighbouring…
Despite Malaysia's efforts to attract medical professionals to its Bornean states, more than a third of doctors offered permanent posts have failed to report for duty. Public hospitals in Sabah and Sarawak have been greeting new medical officers with warm welcomes, but the no-show rate of 36% remains a concern. Dr S*, a doctor who moved from Kelantan to Sabah, cited family separation and the demanding workload as reasons she may not stay indefinitely.
Dr AN*, another doctor, opted to remain in Kelantan rather than accept a permanent appointment in Sarawak, citing health concerns and family obligations. Health Minister Dzulkefly acknowledged the 36% no-show rate, stating it was an improvement from 42% in 2024 but still not satisfactory. He directed the ministry to study and implement a 30% quota for specialist training for medical officers serving in Sabah and Sarawak.
The experiences of doctors like S*, AN*, and Dr A. Iswaran reflect the challenges of relocating to East Malaysia, including family separation, uncertain career prospects, and difficult working conditions, which have led many to decline permanent appointments or choose to return to their home states.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
