Sabah DCM, MMA urge federal review of regional incentive allowance

KOTA KINABALU (Feb 1): Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) have urged a review of the Regional Incentive Allowance (BIW), saying the allowance is vital to sustaining healthcare services and retaining doctors in the state.

Dr Joachim said reducing BIW would be a setback for healthcare workers posted to Sabah and Sarawak, even as the federal government rolls out improvements under the new Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA).

“While the state government appreciates the increase in federal staff remuneration, reducing the BIW will negatively affect the healthcare workforce in Sabah by deepening healthcare inequity and undermining workforce sustainability,” he said at the MMA Sabah Annual Dinner and Installation Night 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre here on Saturday,

Dr Joachim said the state government remains committed to safeguarding doctors’ welfare and working closely with the federal government to address longstanding healthcare challenges.

He noted that many doctors serving in Sabah had come from the Peninsular Malaysia, leaving their families behind to serve rural and remote communities, with some choosing to settle permanently in the state.

“On behalf of the people of Sabah, I thank all doctors for their service and dedication, especially those serving in rural areas,” he said.

Meanwhile, MMA president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo said BIW should be viewed as an issue of equity rather than privilege, as it recognises the real human cost of geographical distance, limited infrastructure, and daily strain faced by healthcare workers in Sabah.

“BIW is not a handout. It is a recognition of the realities of serving in challenging environments. Reducing it sends the wrong message to doctors posted here,” he said.

Dr Thirunavukarasu said MMA estimates about RM4 million annually would be needed to restore BIW to equitable levels, an amount he described as modest compared to losses from inefficiencies highlighted in Auditor-General reports.

He called for a coordinated push involving the state government, the Public Service Department and the Ministry of Finance to ensure BIW is reinstated at appropriate levels.

He also proposed that the state government consider introducing a state-level allowance for doctors serving in rural and remote postings, to strengthen recruitment, retention and continuity of care in underserved communities.

Also present was MMA Sabah chairman Dr Brandon Patrick Senagang.