Sarawak Medical Committee fully operational, opens pathway for specialists in Sarawak

Dr Sim Kui Hian

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, March 21: The Sarawak Medical Committee (SMC) under the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) is now fully operational and will facilitate and assess applications from both Malaysian and foreign specialists who wish to practise exclusively in Sarawak.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said while the move may be “a small step”, it represents an important beginning in empowering Sarawak to take greater control of its healthcare needs under Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

The SMC, established by the MMC on Oct 22, 2024, is tasked with assessing applications from both Malaysian and foreign specialists who wish to practise exclusively in Sarawak.

Its role includes evaluating specialists whose qualifications are not listed under the Fourth Schedule of the Medical Act 1971, while ensuring all assessments remain aligned with national standards and tailored to Sarawak’s specific healthcare needs.

Under this pathway, registration is open to practitioners with unlisted specialist qualifications as well as Malaysian doctors whose specialist training may be deemed indeterminate or unstructured.

Applicants must secure employment in Sarawak and submit supporting documentation, as the scheme is designed specifically to serve the state’s healthcare system.

In a post shared on his social media, Dr Sim, who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said the committee’s formation comes at a critical time, as Sarawak continues to grapple with a severe shortage of medical professionals, currently estimated at around 2,000 doctors.

Citing recent remarks by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad in the Senate, he noted that out of 5,000 available housemanship posts nationwide, only 529 medical graduates had accepted placements.

“How many do you think Sarawak will get?” he asked, underscoring concerns over the State’s share of limited medical manpower.

Dr Sim also pointed out that Sarawak had previously exercised its own medical regulatory authority. He noted that 75 years ago, the State operated a Medical Board under the Medical Registration Ordinance of Sarawak 1948, which continued to function even after the formation of Malaysia until 1971.

“What Sarawak is asking is not more than what Sarawak had before forming Malaysia,” he said.

He expressed appreciation to Sarawak representatives in the Malaysian Medical Council, including Dato Dr Khaira, Prof Dr Asri Said, Dr Veronica Lugah and Dr Lim Joo Kiong, as well as other council members for their support in establishing the SMC in October 2025 and bringing it into operation this year. — DayakDaily