Indonesian health minister remains silent on potential recruitment of nurses from Indonesia
The Malaysian Health Ministry is currently grappling with the issue of a nurse shortage, a problem that has caught the attention of various parties, including Cuepacs, NGOs, the Malayan Nurses Union, and even the Indonesian government.
On August 5, 2025, the Consulate General of Indonesia in Johor Bahru, Sigit S Widiyanto, proposed strategic cooperation to recruit Indonesian nurses for Malaysian hospitals. This proposal was aimed at addressing Malaysia's nursing shortage, as the country faces a deficit of healthcare workers, including nurses. Sigit highlighted that Indonesia, on the other hand, has a surplus of nurses[1][2][5].
In response, the Malaysian Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad acknowledged the proposal and stated that the ministry will carefully study it, considering long-term sustainability and other factors before making a decision[1]. However, no official discussions or formal requests regarding the employment of Indonesian nurses have taken place beyond Sigit's proposal.
The Malaysian Health Ministry is also working to place PSL-trained community nurses as soon as possible. There are over 1,800 such nurses in Malaysia who are currently waiting for permanent placements[6]. The ministry is mapping the postings of these community nurses to ensure they remain in their current localities[4].
However, this proposal has met strong opposition from Cuepacs, which argues that Malaysian nursing graduates awaiting employment should be prioritized. Cuepacs fears that hiring foreign nurses might compromise healthcare quality, as local nurses are more familiar with the country's culture and social sensitivities, which is important for patient care[1][2][5].
Experts and commentators caution that while foreign recruitment could provide short-term relief, it is not a substitute for systemic reforms to retain and support local nurses[3][4]. As the Malaysian Health Ministry continues to study Sigit's proposal, it remains to be seen whether the employment of Indonesian nurses will become a reality in Malaysia.
Sources:
- The Star
- Bernama
- Malay Mail
- New Straits Times
- Free Malaysia Today
- The Edge Markets
In light of the Malaysian Health Ministry's efforts to combat the nurse shortage, some experts and commentators have suggested that addressing Malaysia's health-and-wellness needs through medical-conditions-related science, such as retaining and supporting local nurses, might be more beneficial in the long run. Meanwhile, the negative impact of potential health concerns arising from the employment of foreign nurses, like Indonesian nurses, on the quality of healthcare services in Malaysia, as highlighted by Cuepacs, remains a significant concern for health advocates.
