Kuala lumpur: The Health Ministry (MOH) will expedite the recruitment of 4,352 positions in the healthcare sector to address the immediate demand for medical professionals, as announced by Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. This decision was a focal point during a recent Cabinet meeting where the urgency of the matter was underscored.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister Dzulkefly emphasized the necessity of accelerating the recruitment process, instructing the MOH secretary-general and Health director-general to adopt a fast-track approach rather than the traditional methods. These comments were made following the Annual Scientific Meeting and 55th Annual General Meeting of the Malaysian Society of Radiographers.

Furthermore, Minister Dzulkefly highlighted the importance of healthcare practitioners registering under the Allied Health Professions Act 2016 (Act 774). He urged all practitioners to complete their registration and obtain the Annual Practising Certificate (APC) by December 31, 2026, to ensure a recognized and regulated allied health ecosystem.

In addition, MOH Allied Health Sciences Division director L. Mageswary warned of legal consequences for individuals who fail to register or practice without a valid APC. She noted that employing unregistered individuals constitutes an offence, potentially leading to fines of up to RM50,000 or imprisonment for up to two years, with additional penalties for ongoing offences. For organizational entities, fines could reach RM100,000, with further penalties for continued violations.