SHAH ALAM - On-call allowances for public health workers will go up by around 40 per cent, effective Oct 1.
Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the increase, the first since 2011, reflects the government’s appreciation for the dedication of medical officers, specialists and dental officers who continue to serve on the frontlines of the country’s healthcare system.
"For instance, a specialist who is called to work on a day off will now receive RM350 instead of RM250,” Anwar announced when tabling Budget 2026 in Parliament today.
He said the revision of the on-call allowance will involve an additional allocation of RM120 million annually.
"Public healthcare services demand a holistic approach to resolve long-standing issues. The 13th Malaysia Plan stressed the need for comprehensive health reforms based on the four pillars of the Health White Paper," he said.
The Prime Minister added that RM46.5 billion will be allocated to the Health Ministry next year, up from RM45.3 billion in 2025.
"The government remains committed to addressing six key challenges in the health sector, including improving the quality of public healthcare infrastructure.
"All government hospitals and clinics will undergo maintenance and refurbishment works involving an allocation of RM1.2 billion. District hospital wards nationwide will also be upgraded with an allocation of RM100 million," he added.
Anwar also announced that RM755 million will be used to replace outdated medical equipment and acquire advanced tools for new medical disciplines.