Malaysia is facing a critical shortage of nursing staff, with 10,557 Grade U5 nursing positions remaining vacant as of June 30, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced.

Out of a total of 73,281 Grade U5 nursing positions, only 62,724 are currently filled, representing a fill rate of 85.60 percent. Dzulkefly stated that the shortage impacts the ability of health facilities to provide treatment to patients.

The vacancies are attributed to several factors:

• Retirement
• Migration of skilled workers to other countries
• Intense competition from the private sector

Speaking at the Institut Latihan Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (ILKKM) Convocation Ceremony at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Dzulkefly said:

“As of June 30, I must admit, we are facing a very critical manpower shortage. From 73,281 Grade U5 nursing positions, we only have 62,724 fillings, approximately 85.60 percent,”