MOH expands nurse training to address manpower shortage

 By Olivia Miwil

August 15, 2026 @ 1:00pm

The Health Ministry (MOH) will address the critical manpower shortage by doubling trainee nurse intake and increasing the number of training centres nationwide. NSTP/ASYRAF HAMZAH

KOTA KINABALU: The Health Ministry (MOH) will address the critical manpower shortage by doubling trainee nurse intake and increasing the number of training centres nationwide.

"The MOH is aware of the reality of challenges facing the nation's healthcare system, especially the critical shortage of manpower.

"Out of 73,281 Grade U5 Nurse positions, there is currently a vacancy gap of 10,557 nursing roles across health facilities," according to a statement.

The increased intake of 3,000 nurses annually starting last year was one of the three main workforce reform strategies.

To expand this strategy, MOH aims to outsource up to 2,000 trainees a year to Public Higher Education Institutions (IPTA) and Private Higher Education Institutions (IPTS).

By October next year, the Health Ministry Training Institute (ILKKM) will also reopen four of its training institutes in Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Muar and Penang, with a combined capacity of about 500 trainees.

This will bring the total annual capacity of the Diploma in Nursing programme to 5,500 trainees.

For this year, the institute has successfully produced 6,987 graduates.

Meanwhile, MOH will launch 15 On-The-Job Training Programmes next month to enable staff to upgrade their expertise without needing to leave their stations for long periods.

"MOH is also expanding pathways for Community Nurses to become Nurses through the Transition Diploma.

"The Public Service Department has approved an exemption for Interim Contract Appointments, which means ILKKM Diploma in Nursing graduates who pass and register with the Nursing Board of Malaysia will be absorbed directly into permanent positions."

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad earlier presented scrolls to 924 Sabah graduates at the 2026 Sabah Zone ILKKM Convocation Ceremony at the Chancellor's Hall, Universiti Malaysia Sabah today.

For this year's ceremony, the top graduate was presented with the Perdana Award, received by Alden Ker Ming Vui, a Diploma in Medical and Health Sciences graduate who currently serves at Sungai Buloh Hospital.