THE Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has raised alarms over the impact of the revised Regional Incentive Allowance (BIW) under the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), warning that it could exacerbate ongoing medical workforce shortages in Sabah and Sarawak.
MMA president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo said the Ministry of Health is already struggling with officers failing to report for duty in these states, a situation he believes could worsen under the new allowance structure.
“The revised BIW has reduced allowances for newly appointed medical officers in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan by more than 60 per cent — from RM960 to RM360 monthly in some cases. This change is not just a number.
“It is a reflection of how we value the contributions of our doctors serving in these regions — regardless of whether they are posted to urban areas or rural districts,” he said in a statement on Friday.
Thirunavukarasu highlighted the structural challenges facing these states, including a higher cost of living, logistical limitations, stretched manpower, and fewer training or advancement opportunities.
“These are challenges not limited to remote areas — they are embedded in the broader ecosystem of care across Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan,” he said.
He stressed that BIW was never intended as a bonus but rather as a modest acknowledgement of the unique difficulties faced by doctors serving in these territories.
Cutting the allowance, he said, sends a disheartening message to young doctors: that their commitment and sacrifices are valued less depending on when they were appointed.
“Doctors serving in these states make difficult sacrifices — leaving behind family support systems, enduring long hours and working in settings where the demand often outweighs the resources.
“Their service is vital to Malaysia’s healthcare equity, and it deserves to be acknowledged fairly,” he added.
Dr Thirunavukarasu noted that MMA has raised the matter at the highest levels, including with the Prime Minister and relevant ministries, estimating that restoring the allowance would cost approximately RM4.2 million annually.
This figure was based on roughly 700 new medical officers posted to Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan each year, with a monthly shortfall of RM500 per officer under the revised scheme.
He emphasised that, in the context of national expenditure, this is a modest sum compared with losses from inefficiencies or mismanagement in other sectors.
“The issue does not lie with the Ministry of Health, which remains committed to equitable service delivery. This policy change falls under the jurisdiction of the Public Service Department and Ministry of Finance, and we urge these agencies to give urgent and empathetic consideration to this matter,” he said.
Dr Thirunavukarasu called for an immediate reinstatement of BIW at its original level for all eligible officers, regardless of appointment date.
“This is not a demand but a call for fairness. For those who dedicate their lives to caring for others, fair compensation is not a luxury but a basic sign of respect.
“When we take care of our healthcare workers, especially those serving in challenging environments, we uphold not just their morale — we uphold our national dignity,” he said. - December 21, 2025
