Sabah's health system faces growing labour shortage amid rising service demand

11 April 2026

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's health system is grappling with an increasing shortage of labour, driven by steadily rising demand for services, said the Minister of Women, Health, and People's Welfare of Sabah (KWKKR), Datuk Julita Majungki.

Julita stated that, according to data from the Sabah State Health Department (JKNS), only 2,884 doctors are currently serving in the state, compared to an estimated need of around 9,000, highlighting ongoing challenges in meeting health service demands.

She said this shortage reflects deeper systemic issues, including declining interest in the medical profession and difficulties in retaining doctors in the state.

She also referred to a national trend revealed by the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM), where only 10 per cent of 5,000 new doctor placements were filled at the start of this year.

"This indicates a shrinking pool of future doctors, which will continue to strain our health system if not addressed," she said while officiating the Seminar on Doctors' Rights and Responsibilities, organised by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) at the Sabah International Convention Centre here on Saturday.

Julita said the shortage has impacted service delivery in Sabah, with doctors facing heavier workloads and often serving in remote areas with limited resources.

"Doctors not only treat patients but also manage constraints in infrastructure and manpower. Nevertheless, many continue to serve with high commitment, particularly in rural areas," she said.

She also acknowledged the long-standing gaps in health infrastructure, noting that many facilities still require repairs and upgrades.

"It cannot be denied that Sabah lags behind in health infrastructure. Some of our clinics and hospitals need upgrading, and in certain areas, even basic access remains a challenge," she said.

Julita said the state government has directly raised Sabah's health priorities with the KKM, including requests for increased allocations to accelerate infrastructure development and improve services.

She added that this issue has also been highlighted at higher policy levels, including discussions under the technical committee of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

Julita further emphasised the importance of improving incentives and overall support for doctors, especially those serving in rural areas.

"I wish to reiterate the need for the Federal Government to review the Zone Incentive Payment (BIW) and consider restoring it to its original form.

"This must be complemented by enhancements to cost-of-living allowances for doctors serving in rural areas facing resource constraints, as it is crucial for motivation and retention, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak," she added.

She also welcomed the MMA's initiatives in promoting the medical profession among students.

"We need to build stronger pipelines to produce future doctors, while ensuring those currently serving receive fair support," she said, adding that the state government remains committed to collaborating with the KKM and relevant parties to strengthen Sabah's health system.

Also present were MMA President Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo, Chairman of the MMA Sabah Branch Dr Brandon Patrick Senagang, and former JKNS Director Datuk Dr Christina Rundi, who was one of the seminar speakers.