KUALA LUMPUR, March 12 — Malaysian medical students are being approached by recruiters from Singapore before they graduate, with attractive remuneration and permanent positions.
Speaking in the Dewan Negara, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said today that agents from Singapore have been recruiting Malaysian medical students before they even complete their final examinations, reflecting intensifying regional competition for medical talent.
“Before they even sit for their final examinations, agents from Singapore come to recruit them and offer very attractive remuneration, along with various perks and benefits,” Dzulkfely told the Senate in response to a supplementary question from Senator Tiew Way Keng on proactive measures by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to reduce resignation rates among house officers beyond ensuring safe workplaces free from bullying.
Dzulkefly said he recently met several house officers during a visit to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Setar, Kedah, where they shared similar experiences about recruitment approaches from across the Causeway.
“I was at Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital last week and took the opportunity to spend time with my staff and house officers. Some of them happen to be graduates from Universiti Malaya, and they shared their views and gave their input,” he said.
“One of them told me that before sitting for the exam, they had already received a fairly lucrative offer and were guaranteed a position as soon as they arrived in Singapore. Even before they arrive, they are given a contract of service and not a contract for service.
“They are recognised as doctors with permanent positions,” Dzulkefly added.
Dzulkefly suggested that such offers appeal to young doctors partly because they promise clearer career stability and professional recognition. “That is about the dignity of a doctor’s career,” he said.
The health minister said the government intends to abolish Malaysia’s contract doctor system, which he described as a legacy issue he inherited.
“I am inclined to end this arrangement of contract doctors. It predates my tenure, and I want to restore the dignity of our new generation of doctors so that when they are appointed, it is not a contract for service but a contract of service – a permanent position.”
Last February 1, Singapore recognised Universiti Sains Malaysia’s (USM) medical school in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, bringing the total number of Malaysian medical schools recognised by the neighbouring republic to three after Universiti Malaya and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
