SHAH ALAM, Nov 2 — The Health Ministry (MOH) is facing a shortage of 1,176 vehicle drivers, including ambulance drivers, with the situation expected to persist until April next year.
The ministry said the shortage stemmed from recruitment delays following a temporary suspension of the process by the Public Service Department (JPA) in 2024 to facilitate the implementation of the new Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA).
"Positions will be filled in stages starting from April 2027, subject to the completion of the recruitment process by the Public Services Commission (SPA)," it said, as reported by Berita Harian.
As of September 30, MOH records showed that only 7,687 of the 8,863 approved positions under the General Service Assistant (Driving) scheme had been filled.
Peninsular Malaysia accounted for the highest number of vacancies, with 1,003 driver positions, followed by Sarawak (92), Sabah (73) and Labuan (eight).
MOH said that under the SSPA, the former vehicle driver scheme had been incorporated into the General Service Assistant (Driving) scheme, which falls under the Skilled Services (H) classification.
"This transition requires a thorough review of eligibility criteria to ensure that recruited candidates are suitably qualified and competent to carry out driving duties, particularly when operating ambulances.
"The new scheme also encourages a broader scope of duties, the development of diverse skills and the performance of multifunctional tasks," it said.
The ministry said SPA was currently processing applications, while the Driving Competency Test (UKP) had been completed on October 27.
However, it said the recruitment process must also take into account existing vacancies, retirements, staff departures and the operational requirements of MOH facilities.
Following the implementation of the SSPA, the ministry said there was also a need to distinguish between the responsibilities of General Service Assistants (Driving) and General Service Assistants (General).
"The General Service Assistant (Driving) role encompasses the functions of the former Vehicle Driver scheme (pre-SSPA), focusing on driving duties and the maintenance of departmental vehicles, including ambulances, at their respective assigned locations.
"Meanwhile, the General Service Assistant (General) role focuses on general support tasks as required by the department. This includes personnel who previously served under the Operations Assistant and Public Assistant schemes before the implementation of the SSPA," it said.
The ministry added that personnel under the general scheme could also be assigned driving duties, subject to departmental requirements, driving assessments and competency.
MOH was responding to an October 16 report by Berita Harian highlighting a shortage of ambulance drivers at government healthcare facilities, despite the announcement of 400 new ambulances under Budget 2027.
