KUALA LUMPUR: Only three out of 73 Malaysian specialist doctors returning from abroad between 2021 and 2025 chose to serve in public health facilities, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said, highlighting the low return rate to government service.
Dzulkefly said the remaining 70 specialists returned to Malaysia but opted to work in the private sector and statutory bodies instead.
“Not all ‘the ground is greener next door’ until they step on it,” he said during the policy-stage debate on the 2026 Supply Bill in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
To address the issue of healthcare workers migrating overseas, Dzulkefly said it was important for the Health Ministry to continue improving career schemes, particularly those related to pay and remuneration.
Many specialist doctors are opting for the private sector over government service, attracted by higher pay, lighter workloads and stronger career prospects.
He said his team was working hard to find ways to retain healthcare personnel, including specialist doctors, medical officers and nurses.
“This is among the measures we are introducing to retain our specialists,” he was quoted as saying by Berita Harian.
On claims that Singapore’s Health Ministry was recruiting Malaysian specialists and nurses to work in its facilities, Dzulkefly said that his counterpart had denied the allegation.
He said he was informed that the recruitment activities were carried out by private agencies.
“To be honest, I have also contacted the Singapore Health Minister. Initially, I received confirmation from him that these were activities conducted by private agencies.
“He himself expressed disappointment to me. Therefore, we will hold further engagement on this matter, and I want it to be followed up because this is not the first time I have taken action,” he said.
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