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THE Ministry of Health (KKM) has been called upon to review and enhance salary packages for healthcare workers, amid concerns over the growing number of Malaysian medical professionals being drawn to higher-paying opportunities in Singapore.
Johor State Executive Councillor for Health and Environment, Ling Tian Soon, said the issue is particularly acute in Johor, where proximity to the city-state has led to many local doctors and nurses accepting offers from Singaporean hospitals.
“There are hospitals in Singapore offering very appealing packages to healthcare workers from Johor, and some have already accepted these offers,” Ling said.
“We will be engaging with the Ministry of Health to increase the intake of trainees and to ensure competitive salaries and opportunities, so that our professionals are better appreciated within the national healthcare system,” he told reporters during the Johor-level Nurses’ Day 2025 celebration, as reported by Bernama.
The event, which gathered over 1,000 nurses, was officiated by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
Ling’s remarks followed a viral post on social media highlighting job offers to Malaysian doctors in Singapore with salaries reportedly exceeding RM300,000 a year.
He stressed that offering improved pay would help strengthen the commitment of healthcare workers to remain in the country and contribute to the public sector.
In a related announcement, Datuk Onn Hafiz pledged RM400,000 to support the welfare of nurses across Johor. - July 10, 2025