Health Ministry faces shortage of 1,176 drivers, including ambulance personnel

The Health Ministry in Malaysia is grappling with a nationwide shortage of 1,176 vehicle drivers, including those responsible for ambulances, with the vacancies anticipated to remain unfilled until at least April 2027. Berita Harian revealed that the ministry attributes the shortage to delays in recruiting General Service Assistants (Driving) following the temporary suspension of recruitment through the Public Services Commission (PSC) in 2024 to implement the new Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA).

Under SSPA, the previous vehicle driver scheme was integrated into the General Service Assistant scheme, necessitating a review of recruitment requirements, particularly for those driving ambulances. The ministry currently has 8,863 General Service Assistant (Driving) positions, with 7,687 filled as of September 30, according to MoH's figures provided to Berita Harian.

Vacancies are distributed across Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak, Sabah, and Labuan. Recruitment projections must factor in existing vacancies, retirements, staff attrition, and individual facility needs. The PSC is still processing applications, and the driving competency test for candidates concluded on October 27. This shortage coincides with the government's plan to acquire 400 new ambulances for MoH hospitals in Budget 2027, aimed at reducing emergency response times.

Concerns have been raised by PEMATA-KKM president Reostam Dzahar, who notes that the shortage exacerbates the workload for existing drivers, with some reportedly working beyond their prescribed hours and experiencing burnout.