SNGAPORE, July 31 -- Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said he raised the issue of the republic's reported recruitment of Malaysia's healthcare workers during a meeting with Singapore Health Minister Ong Ye Kung.

Onn Hafiz said he broached the topic in a "spirit of openness," and as part of larger discussions on public health systems, challenges of healthcare workforce shortages, and measures to increase health awareness among the people.

"We agreed that as two neighbouring countries sharing close relationships and mutual respect, any workforce mobility initiatives should be implemented through official channels and structured, transparent bilateral cooperation frameworks," he said in a statement.

In a meeting held in Orchard, ...