By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, July 18 — Selangor is pushing to fast-track the placement of permanent medical officers in government hospitals and clinics across the state, as concerns mount over the national shortage of doctors and specialists.
State executive councillor for public health and environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin said Selangor is proactively strengthening its public healthcare system, in light of the increasing patient load and the state’s status as Malaysia’s most populous.
“We are working closely with the Health Ministry (MOH) to expedite the placement of permanent medical officers at MOH facilities in Selangor,” she told Media Selangor yesterday.
On July 12, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad reiterated the MOH’s commitment to retaining healthcare workers in the public sector, but acknowledged its limited legal authority to stop them from pursuing opportunities abroad.
He had said that among ongoing efforts is to incentivise staff to stay, such as by expediting permanent placements for contract doctors.
His statement came after reports of Singapore hospitals recruiting Malaysian medical professionals by offering high salaries.
Jamaliah, who conducted site visits to five major hospitals in Selangor this year to better understand their needs, said the state government remains focused on identifying and addressing critical healthcare challenges, especially patient congestion and long waiting times.
The five hospitals she visited were Sultan Idris Shah Hospital in Serdang, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin Hospital in Kajang, Shah Alam Hospital, Selayang Hospital, and Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital in Klang.
“Among the main issues we observed were patient overcrowding and long waiting hours, which require immediate attention,” she said.
[caption id="attachment_407048" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
State executive councillor for public health and environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin speaks at the Klang Plastic-Free Campaign at Laman Seni Safari Klang on July 6, 2025. — Picture by NUR ADIBAH AHMAD IZAM/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Jamaliah said to address these issues, the Selangor government is strengthening collaboration with public hospitals, the MOH, and the Selangor State Health Department, including playing a supportive role to promote the use of the latest healthcare systems and technologies.
She added that the state has submitted requests to the federal government for additional staffing, medical equipment, and surge capacity management, which are under consideration.
She said Selangor welcomes MOH’s initiative to reduce waiting times, including the implementation of the cloud-based content management system in 156 government clinics nationwide, which has enabled 70 per cent of patients to be attended to within 30 minutes.
Jamaliah said the adoption of artificial intelligence and digital systems will further expedite patient management and ease congestion in waiting areas.
She emphasised the state’s commitment to strengthening community health through programmes such as Iltizam Selangor Sihat, Bantuan Sihat Selangor, and Selangor Mental Sihat.
RM40 million has been allocated under the 2025 Selangor State Budget to support these programmes, which cover heart care schemes, health screenings, and mental health screenings.
“Our focus is on preventive healthcare, reducing the need for hospital visits by keeping our communities healthier.”
Jamaliah said the soon-to-open Selgate Rawang Hospital, owned by the Selangor State Development Corporation, is also set to ease pressure on government hospitals.
“This hospital will house over 200 beds and will serve residents in surrounding areas, helping reduce congestion in public hospitals,” she said.
