August 21, 2025
PETALING JAYA – Financial concerns, including the high cost of relocating and expensive travel, are deterring doctors from the peninsula from accepting placements in Sabah and Sarawak.
They said these challenges are among the reasons some chose to turn down permanent offers.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad revealed earlier this month that 414 contract medical officers had rejected permanent appointments and resigned between 2023 and June this year.
He said among the reasons given was that they were not ready to relocate and serve in Sabah, Sarawak or Labuan.
Dr Karan (name changed) shared his experience, saying that he spent RM3,000 to ship his car from Seremban to Sarawak, with overall moving expenses amounting to around RM10,000.
“I couldn’t afford the cost and had to borrow money from friends and relatives, even selling valuables like jewellery,” he said.
“I rarely fly home due to expensive air tickets. A posting in the peninsula would have been more cost-effective, as I would be able to drive back.”
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Despite the financial burden, Dr Karan chose to take on the challenge, motivated by his duty and lifelong ambition to be a doctor.
Dr Nari (name changed) from Keningau, Sabah, who was posted to the peninsula, also cited the difficulty of travelling home, particularly during emergencies.
“Flight tickets are expensive. I have elderly parents, and my husband is caring for them. Travelling back and forth costs thousands,” she said.
The cost also prevents her husband from visiting her often.
“I would prefer to be based in my home state, as this situation isn’t sustainable,” she said.
Aliya (name changed), from Kuala Lumpur, was one of the contract doctors who declined a permanent appointment after being given a placement in Sabah.
She said she was unprepared for the environmental change that serving there would entail.
“I’m not sure if I could cope,” she admitted.
In June, the Health Ministry mandated that contract medical officers appointed to permanent positions must select at least one placement option in Sabah or Sarawak through the e-Placement 2.0 system.
The move aims to address the uneven distribution of healthcare personnel between Peninsular Malaysia and the Borneo states, which are currently facing a manpower shortage.
Dzulkefly recently informed the Dewan Rakyat that 650 posts were allocated to Sarawak and 310 to Sabah among the 2,248 UD10 medical officers participating in the e-Placement 2.0 session.
However, there are doctors who have embraced their postings in Sabah and Sarawak.
Dr Rajesh (name changed), who served in Sarawak for two years as a house officer, considered the state his second home.
“It was a new experience and environment. I quickly adapted to the local food and culture and have grown to love it. I’ve met some of the best people here and explored the state during my days off,” he said.
Now stationed in Negri Sembilan, he still returns to Sarawak for short breaks.
Similarly, Dr S (name changed) has become so accustomed to Sabah that she eagerly anticipates her return even when visiting family in Penang.
“There is a lot to do in Sabah. And there is always something new to learn about the culture.
“It is not that diverse in Penang and the rest of the peninsula. Also, it is less hectic there, and I have gotten used to the relaxed lifestyle,” she said.