He said that after a comprehensive engagement session with the ministry of higher education it was found necessary to make amendments to the act.

He said the ministry has also received legal views from the Attorney General’s Chambers.

He said the two ministries are aligned on this matter, and would soon submit the proposed amendment to the Cabinet.

The move would clarify the status of both programmes and to address the shortage of medical professionals serving with the government, he told a press conference after a working visit to Kuala Kubu Baharu Hospital today.

Dzulkefly said improvements in healthcare services, such as the placement of general medical practitioners since January last year, have successfully reduced congestion at Selayang Hospital.

“Previously, there were no specialists here, so KKB residents had to go to Selayang Hospital for treatment. Now, with the presence of medical specialists, I see that we have gained their confidence to seek treatment here,” he said.

“We plan to establish an emergency department staffed with emergency medicine specialists by early May,” he said.