Indonesian nurses in our public hospitals? This is what the minister has to say

Malaysia has neither discussed nor requested to deploy Indonesian nurses in public hospitals, confirmed Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

He however took note of the remarks by Indonesia’s consul-general in Johor Bahru, Sigit S Widiyanto.

“We are aware that various parties, including Cuepacs, NGOs, and the Malayan Nurses Union, have raised numerous issues about this matter.

“But the fact remains – there have been no official discussions and the health ministry has not received any formal request,” he told reporters after attending an event in Kangar today.

On Aug 5, Sigit proposed that Indonesian nurses be allowed to work in Malaysia as a measure to overcome the manpower shortage.

Sigit reckoned this would be a win-win situation since Indonesia had a surplus while Malaysia is facing a shortage.

On a related note, Dzulkefly said that his ministry is looking into the placement of community nurses.

“Yes, we are mapping the postings to ensure they remain in their current localities. We will assign them accordingly.

“We estimate there are over 1,800 PSL-trained community nurses in the country.

“We are working to place them as soon as possible. The matter is already being addressed.”