Singapore hiring spree sparks fears of healthcare shortage in Johor

JOHOR BARU: The Johor government has expressed concern over the growing number of Malaysian public healthcare professionals, particularly doctors and nurses, being lured to Singapore with lucrative pay packages.

State Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said the issue has persisted for several years, but the recent uptick is worrying as it threatens to deplete manpower at government hospitals across Johor.

“This is not a new problem.

“The pull of higher wages in Singapore has led many of our public doctors and nurses to accept job offers across the Causeway,” he told a press conference after the state-level Nurses’ Day launch.

Ling warned that the situation could strain state healthcare services, especially ahead of the Aug 1 opening of Pasir Gudang Hospital, which will require staff redeployment from existing public hospitals.

To address the matter, the state government will meet with the Health Ministry (MOH) tomorrow to discuss long-term solutions, including increasing the intake of medical trainees and improving career incentives within the public sector.

Earlier, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi officiated the 2025 Johor State-Level Nurses’ Day celebration.

Also in attendance was Johor Health Director Dr Mohtar Pungut @ Ahmad.

Yesterday, Singapore’s Health Ministry was reported to have conducted walk-in interviews for Malaysian general practitioners (GPs) and doctors at Hotel Traders KLCC, offering packages starting at SGD110,000 annually (approximately RM385,000), excluding housing allowances, insurance, and other perks.

A viral post on Threads claimed Singapore’s offer is ideal for doctors seeking to save up for two years before returning to Malaysia.

Ling said the state appreciates the dedication of its healthcare professionals and believes many still wish to serve in Johor, but financial realities cannot be ignored.

“With better incentives and salary structures, we can ensure our medical frontliners remain committed to the public system without being forced to leave,” he said.

He also urged MOH to quickly replace staff who will be transferred from Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Hospital Sultan Ismail, and other state facilities to Pasir Gudang to avoid disruptions.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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