The coalition’s health committee chairman Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi attributed the impending strike to the “commitment” healthcare workers had in wanting to serve the public.

“This strike will not disrupt public order and it is merely a way to express themselves,” he said in a statement.

Yunus called on Putrajaya to collaborate with the opposition to resolve the matter.

“This isn’t just the government’s problem, but one that should also be dealt with by the opposition to ensure the continuity of healthcare in the country.”

Over 8,000 contract doctors are expected to go on strike by taking medical or emergency leave to protest against an unfair system and low wages.

The group organising the strike, Mogok Doktor Malaysia (Malaysian Doctors on Strike), also warned of longer waiting time at health clinics and public hospitals from April 3 to 5.

Earlier today, the health ministry reminded healthcare workers against participating in illegal assemblies.

The ministry also warned that it would take disciplinary action against doctors who observed or took part in the strike during working hours or distributed flyers about illegal assemblies.