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The Ministry of Health said this step will not only help to meet the needs of human resources in the public health sector but will also strengthen the capacity of health services in the field.
On Wednesday, 23 July 2025, Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim unveiled a series of initiatives that aimed to showcase appreciation towards the rakyat — including the creation of 4,352 new medical officer positions to strengthen the nation's healthcare system by year-end.
According to Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad in a Facebook post, this addition is in response to the shortage of doctors and the increasing workload pressure in public health facilities, i.e. an issue that has long been felt by health service officers and users.
"This step is a brave, responsible and gracious decision, in line with the aspirations of KKM which is always fighting for the need to increase the capacity of health human resources in the field."
"It is also a strategic initiative to strengthen the country's public health system. More than just numbers, this increase in services will boost health facilities’ ability to provide efficient, quality, and ongoing care to citizens across the country," he added.
In a statement to Bernama, the Health Minister said he has "emphasised to and instructed" the Ministry's secretary-general and Health director-general to "fast-track the recruitment process rather than following the conventional approach."
Bringing up a point on the registration of healthcare practitioners under the Allied Health Professions Act 2016 (Act 774), he called on all practitioners to complete their official registration and secure their Annual Practising Certificate (APC) by 31 December 2026, stressing that this step is essential to build a recognised, regulated, and high-quality allied health ecosystem.
Meanwhile, according to the Bernama report, L Mageswary, Director of the Allied Health Sciences Division at the Ministry of Health, has warned employers of the consequences of non-compliance.
“Anyone employing unregistered individuals to carry out duties as allied health professionals is committing an offence," she was quoted as saying. "If convicted, the offender may be fined up to RM50,000 or jailed for up to two years, or both. For continuing offences, an additional fine of up to RM1,000 per day may be imposed after conviction.”
She added that for corporate bodies, partnerships, or any organisational entities, the penalties are even steeper: possibly reaching up to RM100,000, with an additional fine of RM5,000 per day for continuing offences.
Lead image / Ministry of Health Malaysia Facebook
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