{
  "id": 14410945,
  "title": "KKM digesa tetapkan kuota, tempoh serap pegawai farmasi kontrak",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/kkm-digesa-tetapkan-kuota-tempoh-serap-pegawai-farmasi-kontrak",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-14T08:34:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/bahasa/tempatan/2026/10/14/kkm-digesa-tetapkan-kuota-tempoh-serap-pegawai-farmasi-kontrak"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pusat Perbandingan Kehadiran Pegawai (KKM) has urged the formation of clear quotas and timelines for hiring contract pharmacists into permanent positions, pending approval from the Finance and Unity Ministries, according to Dzulkefly Ahmad, the Health Minister. The Malaysian Pharmacy Union (MPS) specifically requested details regarding the number of positions to be considered, the selection timeline, and the pool of contract pharmacists deemed suitable. MPS also asked for clarification on the status of contract pharmacists who have completed or are nearing the end of their contracts but are willing to continue serving. With 3,545 contract pharmacists currently employed at KKM and an additional 115 waiting for permanent positions, MPS questioned whether the 115 individuals in question would be prioritized, and whether pharmacists whose contracts have ended would still be considered. The union also sought specifics on the selection process, including whether promotions would be phased in and how experience, service duration, and workforce needs would be taken into account. President Amrahi Buang expressed openness to the proposal of establishing a new quota for permanent pharmacist positions, distinct from the 9,000 permanent medical officer positions announced in the 2027 budget. However, he emphasized that the priority now is to translate this commitment into a clear, transparent, and implementable mechanism. \"Pharmacists who have been adversely affected need sufficient assurance to make informed decisions about their careers and the continuity of their service in the public health system,\" he stated in a statement. Buang added that MPS also believes a comprehensive and sustainable workforce strategy for pharmacists is needed, encompassing workforce needs, retention efforts, career development, and evolving roles of pharmacists in the health system. Through its Public Sector Pharmacist Committee, MPS will continue to gather feedback from affected pharmacists and advocate for fair and equitable career pathways.",
  "summary": "Persatuan turut minta penjelasan mengenai jumlah jawatan ditawar serta syarat kelayakan bagi penyerapan pegawai farmasi kontrak ke jawatan tetap.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "KKM digesa tetapkan kuota, tempoh serap pegawai farmasi kontrak",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/kkm-digesa-tetapkan-kuota-tempoh-serap-pegawai-farmasi-kontrak-14416551",
        "published": "2026-10-14T08:34:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}