Lamag Assemblyman Calls for Urgent Action on Doctor Shortage in Kinabatangan

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 2026 – Lamag assemblyman Mohd Ismail Ayob has called on the government to urgently address the shortage of doctors serving Kinabatangan, Sabah.

Mohd Ismail acknowledged that the problem is not limited to Kinabatangan, as several other constituencies are also facing shortages of medical personnel. However, he stressed that the situation in the district requires serious attention to ensure residents continue receiving adequate healthcare services.

Kinabatangan’s communities depend heavily on public healthcare facilities, making the availability of sufficient doctors essential for consultations, emergency treatment and the continued operation of hospital services.

Concerns over staffing at Kinabatangan Hospital had already been raised earlier in 2026. A February report warned that the hospital could face a doctor deficit exceeding 70%, with the number of medical officers potentially falling to five despite an estimated requirement of 18. The report also highlighted the demanding schedules faced by the remaining personnel.

Mohd Ismail’s appeal reflects wider concerns over the distribution and retention of healthcare professionals in Sabah, particularly in rural and remote districts where staffing challenges can be more difficult to resolve.

The Health Ministry has announced several measures to ease Sabah’s chronic shortage. Deputy Health Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib said 560 newly appointed permanent medical officers would be posted to the state beginning in October 2026.

An interministerial special task force has also been established to examine shortages of doctors and medical specialists, including the challenges involved in retaining healthcare talent within the public system. The initiative is expected to develop more comprehensive solutions for Sabah, Sarawak and other underserved areas.

For Kinabatangan, any additional allocation of medical officers would need to consider the district’s existing staffing level, patient demand and the operational requirements of its healthcare facilities.

Ensuring an adequate number of doctors would help reduce pressure on existing personnel while improving access to timely treatment for communities across the district.

Mohd Ismail urged the relevant authorities to give the issue immediate attention so that residents of Kinabatangan are not placed at a disadvantage when seeking essential medical care.