KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 1 -- A total of 414 contract medical officers rejected permanent appointments and resigned between 2023 and June 2025, according to the health minister.

Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said this represents 3.5 per cent of the 11,901 officers offered permanent posts during that period.

Key reasons included reluctance to serve in Sabah, Sarawak, and the Federal Territory of Labuan, a stronger preference for urban healthcare facilities, and concerns over career progression in specialist fields if posted to rural or remote areas.

"Personal factors such as family care responsibilities, health issues, logistics, and financial concerns also influenced their decisions," he added in a written reply posted on the Parliament website...