ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor is facing a shortage of around 1,700 nurses, a gap the state government describes as a challenge but not a crisis.

Johor health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon (AH SOON) said the state currently has 29,731 healthcare workers, of whom 8,214 are nurses.

“There are 4,648 vacancies overall, though 2,547 of these posts have been filled with contract staff, bringing overall manpower coverage to about 92% to 93%.

“The biggest pressure point is staffing for Hospital Pasir Gudang (HPG), which is preparing for full operational readiness.

“However, the issue of nurse shortage is not unique to Johor – it is a national concern and every state is facing a shortage of nurses,” he told reporters at the sidelines of the state assembly sitting at Kota Iskandar here yesterday.

Ling added that 64 nurses have left the public healthcare system between January and October this year for various reasons, including migration to Singapore, health issues and family commitments.

“If they earn RM2,000 to RM3,000 here, they could be earning similar amounts in Singapore dollars, but it becomes higher after currency conversion.

“That is why we appreciate those who choose to remain in our public healthcare system despite this,” he said, adding that the state government has allocated RM5,000 for every public healthcare facility pantry to improve their working conditions.

Ling said the state government has also proposed that the Health Ministry consider special incentive packages for nurses working in southern Johor, especially those near the Singapore border.

“I have raised this with the ministry, and the proposal is still being studied,” he added.

To address manpower needs, a state-federal task force was set up earlier to discuss health facility upgrades, preparations for HPG’s operations and staffing needs for new projects, he said.

Ling said new healthcare facilities in the pipeline include the Kota Tinggi health clinic, Cendana health clinic, and the upcoming Hospital Sultanah Aminah 2, which is expected to be completed within the next four to five years.

He added that the state is working closely with the ministry to ensure early recruitment and training so that new facilities can be adequately staffed once completed.

While acknowledging the current strain, he stressed that the situation remains manageable and that emphasis should be put on preparing for future needs.

-The STAR-
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/11/18/johor-working-to-address-shortage-of-1700-nurses