Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong said he was deeply disappointed with the ministry after 2,000 doctors arranged for time off from work on Feb 27 to log into the ePlacement system to select their postings at hospitals across the country.

Khoo said that once selections were made, many doctors proceeded to secure accommodation, arrange transportation, and make other preparations based on their assigned placements, all of which involved significant financial costs.

He said that on March 4, the health ministry announced that all placements were invalidated because of a glitch in the ePlacement system, with the doctors then informed that they would have to reapply for placements today.

However, another announcement was made late on Saturday night to postpone the registration of placements again.

“It appears the ministry has not learned from its previous missteps,” he said in a statement.

“This last-minute and irresponsible handling of such a crucial process is unacceptable (as) it wastes time, resources and, most importantly, undermines the well-being of these junior doctors.

“Such abrupt changes not only cause unnecessary stress but also demonstrate a blatant disregard for the dedication and sacrifices of our medical professionals.”

He also said the uncertainty undermines the trust and morale of the affected doctors, who are now left in limbo.

Stressing that the country’s doctors are already overburdened with their duties, Khoo said the ministry should not make it harder for them to serve the public.

FMT has reached out to the ministry for comment.