Kuala lumpur: The government has agreed to provide transfer and relocation allowances to contract doctors who were offered permanent appointments under the Health Ministry in 2025. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced that this one-off provision will enable eligible officers to claim expenses such as meal allowances, hotel accommodations, travel expenses, transportation of personal effects, and miscellaneous costs.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, claims of up to 100 percent are permitted for inter-regional transfers between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, Sarawak, or Labuan, and the reverse. For transfers within Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan, claims are limited to 50 percent of the total eligible amount. Dr. Dzulkefly emphasized that this allowance is intended to aid medical officers in relocating and adjusting to new postings, and the Health Ministry plans to advocate for the continuation of this allowance.

Meanwhile, Dr. Dzulkefly refuted allegations that the ministry had reduced the Regional Incentive Payment (BIW) following the implementation of the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) for federal civil servants. He clarified that there has been no reduction in allowances, including the regional incentive. Under the SSPA, the government has agreed to establish a fixed rate for current recipients and a new fixed rate for newly eligible officers.

The fixed rate for existing recipients is based on the last BIW amount received before the SSPA came into effect, while newly appointed or newly eligible officers will be awarded a new fixed rate ranging from RM270 to RM960 per month. Dr. Dzulkefly stated that the fixed-rate BIW was introduced through the SSPA, effective from December 1, 2024. This BIW serves as a special allowance or additional incentive for officers posted or serving in Sabah and Sarawak.