CAREER hindrances and high relocation costs are among reasons junior doctors reject moving to Bornean states, a contract doctors’ group said.

Referring to the high number of rejections, the Hartal Doktor Kontrak (HDK) movement said some medical officers on the transfer list had already been relocated previously, alleging the new transfer order is “beyond reasonable”.

“Many of them were already relocated a few times in the past three years, and another relocation may be a bit much.

“They will have to once again go through the process of relocation, changing departments and hospitals, and being away from family,” a HDK spokesman told The Malaysian Insight on condition of anonymity.

Earlier, Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni said more than 200 doctors rejected contract positions or failed to report to duty to serve in Sarawak.

The spokesman said the doctors involved think their career progression would be affected if they relocate.

“Those planning to pursue specialties in certain fields are worried they will not be placed in their (desired) departments and that it will hinder their progress.

“There are multiple cases where one is stuck for so many years in a department or hospital that is not their choice despite multiple appeals,” they said.

Another pressing issue is the cost to relocate, the spokesman said, adding that relocating to Sabah or Sarawak is not cheap.

“The doctors are unable to claim any relocation allowance, cargo or flight ticket as they are considered ‘terputus perkhidmatan’ (terminated of service) once they become permanent staff.”

It was reported those taking up positions that require relocation were not eligible to claim costs.

The HDK spokesman said the Health Ministry (MOH) has to consider family factors as well before ordering doctors to relocate.

“Many of them are already married and settling down with little kids. It’s not as easy for them to relocate compared with someone who has just joined the service, who is relatively young and still single.

“Some also have parents who are ill and they need to be nearby to look after them,” the spokesman said.

“Unless the government looks into this and helps ease their burden, it’s not fair to blame junior doctors for rejecting the offers,” the spokesman said.

Last week, the Malaysian Medical Association urged doctors who refused their placements in Sarawak to accept their offers and report to work first.

Its president Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai said the doctors can appeal later if they have valid reasons.

It was also reported contract healthcare workers had been warned that failure to accept transfers will result in them not being given permanent positions.

The Star Online reported this was a condition given to contract health workers by the MOH, based on presentation slides from the ministry dated July 20.

Those who have accepted the permanent placements and have relocated are due to report for duty on July 31.

Several healthcare workers have complained of being placed in Sabah and Sarawak on short notice, and appealed for nearby placements.

The MOH slides contained a warning that failure to accept the placements would result in cancellation of the offers for permanent positions. – July 25, 2023.