Locum Allowance Now Available for Malaysian Doctors Working Weekends, Public Holidays: Health Minister

Medical practitioners working on Saturdays and public holidays at public healthcare facilities in Malaysia will now receive an immediate locum allowance of RM80 per hour, according to an announcement by the Malaysian Health Minister on February 23, as reported by The New Straits Times.

This allowance applies to eligible medical officers, including those stationed at three clinics in Selangor. Moreover, medical officers working on these specified days can opt for replacement leave if they work from 9 am to 1 pm on Sundays.

This initiative follows the introduction of a pilot project aimed at extending the operating hours of health clinics near hospitals. 

The decision, approved by the government, aims to address earlier concerns regarding doctors not receiving compensation for additional hours worked during weekends and holidays, and ensures prompt payment of this allowance to streamline the process.

Pilot Project Background: 

• In 2023, a pilot project was launched to extend clinic hours near hospitals, and its continuation for locum allowance payments is currently under review by the Central Agency. 
• Running from March 25 to December 31, the project aimed to alleviate hospital congestion. 
• During this period, medical officers working on Sundays were granted special approval under the pilot, allowing for locum allowance payments if assigned to work locally. 
• Pharmacists and X-ray technicians in managerial and professional roles also received extended locum allowances at varying rates. 
• To address hospital congestion, particularly in Selangor, the government, through the Special Task Force for Agency Reform, authorized the Health Ministry to implement the project at clinics near hospitals. 
• These clinics include the Bandar Botanik Health Clinic in Klang (near Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital), Taman Ehsan Health Clinic in Gombak (Selayang Hospital), and Ampang Health Clinic in Hulu Langat (Ampang Hospital).

Extra allowances for doctors in Malaysia as outlined in a document acquired by FMT from the Health Ministry:

• Critical service allowance, granted at RM750 monthly.
• Bonuses for specialists ranging from RM2,200 to RM3,100 monthly.
• Elective surgery allowances, fixed at RM200 per hour for specialists and RM80 per hour for medical officers.
• Hospital administration allowances, varying from RM1,520 to RM2,480 monthly depending on ranks.