Senator proposes 11 incentives to boost Sabah and Sarawak health workforce

Dr R. A. Lingeshwaran presented a package of eleven immediate actions to strengthen the health workforce in Sabah and Sarawak, emphasizing fairness and retention. Core components feature a clear 24-month service term, after which doctors meeting performance criteria may seek transfers, specialist training, or new postings. He urged reinstating the Regional Incentive Payment as a salary percentage, adding a RM1,000 rural hardship allowance, and ensuring suitable accommodation or market-rate housing allowances.

The plan also recommends advance coverage of relocation costs, periodic return flights to Peninsular Malaysia, and a retention bonus for service beyond the initial term. Beyond financial incentives, Lingeshwaran stressed the need for reasonable doctor-patient ratios, manageable on-call duties, and comprehensive family support. The proposals cover all critical health personnel and could be introduced within three months if approved.