PADAWAN, Sept 13 2026: Premier Abang Johari Openg has raised up the issue of healthcare workforce shortages in Sarawak, involving over 5,000 positions, during the recent meeting of the Implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Action Council, Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian said today.
He said the issue has been brought to the attention of the Public Service Department (JPA).
Dr Sim said that approximately 18 percent of positions within the Sarawak State Health Department (JKNS) currently have remained unfilled.
"This matter requires a special approach—including regarding workforce recruitment—to enable Sarawak to meet the state's healthcare service needs more effectively," he told reporters.
“We have actually spoken to the JPA, and the premier also raised the issue during the MA63 meeting, noting that we need a special task force and special recruitment measures so we can help ourselves and not have to rely on Kuala Lumpur all the time,” he said.
Dr Sim, who is also the Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said this after visiting the family and paying his last respects to the late Staff Nurse (SN) Debra Moset at her family home in Kampung Semadang, here, today.
He noted that efforts to strengthen Sarawak's healthcare autonomy are also being discussed; however, implementation is a complex process as it involves amending 41 laws.
He added that practical approaches must continue to be explored to ensure that workforce issues and healthcare service delivery can be addressed in stages for the benefit of the people of Sarawak.
“We are trying to look at whatever methods can yield results first and improve everyone's lives,” he added.
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