KOTA KINABALU: Aug 15, 2026 — Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad today acknowledged that the nation’s healthcare system is at a critical crossroads, warning that the severe shortage of nurses demands immediate and sustained action.
“Our healthcare system is at a very precarious juncture,” he said in his speech at the ILKKM 2026 Convocation Ceremony for the Sabah Zone, held at Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s Chancellory Hall. He revealed that out of 73,281 established posts for Grade U5 Nurses, only 62,724 positions are currently filled.
The Minister confirmed that records as of June 30 this year show a shortfall of 10,557 vacancies. “This shortage stems from several key factors — retirement, migration of skilled professionals abroad, as well as stiff competition from the private sector,” he explained.
To address this pressing issue, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has rolled out three main strategies as part of its healthcare workforce reform.
The first strategy focuses on boosting graduate output, with the intake of trainee nurses increased to 3,000 per year starting 2025.
MOH is targeting the production of 13,345 ILKKM graduates for the period of 2025 to 2030. The Ministry also plans to outsource up to 2,000 trainees per year to public and private Institutions of Higher Learning.
By October 2027, four ILKKM branches in Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Muar and Penang will be reopened with additional trainee capacity, thereby raising the overall capacity of the Nursing Diploma programme to 5,500 trainees per year.
The second strategy involves expanding career pathways through 15 On-The-Job Training (OJT) programmes scheduled to begin this September.
These programmes allow staff to enhance their expertise without having to leave their work stations for extended periods.
MOH is also expanding the Community Nurse pathway to become fully-fledged Nurses through the Transitional Diploma.
The third strategy entails direct hiring and autonomous workforce management. The Public Service Department (JPA) has approved an exemption for Interim Contract Appointments, allowing ILKKM Nursing Diploma graduates who have passed and are registered with the Malaysian Nursing Board to be absorbed directly into permanent positions.
MOH has also been granted autonomous authority over staffing management effective July 9, 2026, to accelerate the placement of graduates into the field.
A total of 6,987 ILKKM graduates were celebrated at the 2026 Convocation Ceremony, including 924 graduates from the Sabah Zone who received their scrolls at the Chancellory Hall, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, today.
