Summary
- 3,511 medical officers resigned between 2023 and 2025.
- Health Ministry cites no legal power to stop departures.
- Government improving salaries and allowances.
- More incentives introduced to retain doctors.
KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 — Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said 3,511 medical officers resigned from the Ministry of Health (MOH) between 2023 and 2025.
Including 1,283 in 2023, 1,153 in 2024 and 1,075 in 2025.Dzulkefly said the ministry has no legal authority to prevent doctors from joining the private sector or working overseas.
To improve retention, the government has introduced higher salaries, increased locum and on-call allowances. Expanded specialist training opportunities.
And continues to appoint about 4,000 permanent medical officers annually.
