Dear Honourable Minister and the Ministry of Health,

I am writing on behalf of many concerned Malaysians who deeply value our doctors and are worried about how they are being compensated.

Becoming a doctor takes one of the longest and most expensive educational journeys of any profession. Years of costly study are followed by demanding housemanship and service years. Yet, when doctors finally begin their careers, the starting pay does not adequately reflect these sacrifices and investments. This discrepancy negatively impacts the quality of healthcare that our doctors can deliver and their overall well-being.

According to data from the Malaysian Medical Association, the average starting salary for a doctor in Malaysia is significantly lower than in other countries. In fact, many doctors report financial strain that impacts their ability to perform their duties at the highest level. In countries such as Singapore and Australia, for example, starting salaries are substantially higher, and this allows doctors to focus more on providing the best possible care for their patients rather than worrying about making ends meet.

Moreover, the pandemic has highlighted the critical role that doctors play in safeguarding public health. Despite the numerous challenges they have faced during this unprecedented crisis, including personal risks and overextended working hours, their compensation has remained stagnant.

We urge the Ministry of Health to conduct a comprehensive review of the current remuneration system for doctors. Consider benchmarking salaries against those in neighbouring countries to ensure competitiveness. Implementing structured pay scales and providing additional allowances for doctors who work in underserved rural regions could also serve as incentives and recognition for their hard work.

Improving doctors’ remuneration is not just a matter of fairness—it is a critical step in upgrading Malaysia's healthcare system. By acknowledging and compensating our doctors appropriately, we can attract and retain the best talent, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for the nation.

Please sign this petition to show your support for our dedicated doctors and to call for a much-needed review of their remuneration. Together, we can help to ensure a brighter future for both our doctors and our healthcare system.