Dzulkefly said the ministry was reviewing the transfer requests but could not accommodate every application without affecting health services in East Malaysia, which face a critical shortage of manpower.
About 20% would not have their applications approved, he said.
“I know it’s not ideal, but I’ve seen many specialists in Sabah who initially didn’t want to go there. Now it’s their 10th year and counting,” he told reporters today after launching a book on the Covid-19 pandemic and its effects on Malaysia.
Dzulkefly said not all placements can rely on arrangements for mutual transfers.
On Thursday, the Dewan Rakyat was told there were 650 vacancies for permanent posts in Sarawak, but only seven medical officers have opted to take up these posts.
Dzulkefly encouraged doctors, especially those posted as couples, to consider the long-term benefits of serving in East Malaysia.
Asked what steps the ministry was taking to solve the high number of transfer requests, the minister said Putrajaya was exploring offering better incentive schemes to retain doctors in Sabah and Sarawak.
“We are trying to see what other incentives can be offered. We know this is an issue we can’t completely avoid, but we will do our level best to manage it.”
No queue jumping in Rakan KKM
Dzulkefly gave an assurance there would be no queue jumping in the Rakan KKM programme, which offers “premium economy” services at selected public hospitals.
Under the programme, specialists can offer paid elective services, with the income reinvested to improve the health service.
“This isn’t about jumping queues for emergency cases. It’s about giving people an option for elective procedures while retaining top talent,” he said.
He said a briefing on the programme would be held as some information on the initiative had been misinterpreted.
Two weeks ago, the Malaysian Medical Association had questioned if wealthier patients would get faster access to health services, and urged the ministry to clarify the programme and if it would strain an already overstretched health service.