Kuala Lampur, Nov. 13 -- Unequal pay between contractual and permanent medical officers (MOs) and shorter service at public health institution that reduces their work experience are just some of the issues plaguing Malaysia's health sector.

As public complaints grow, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) today urged the government to address these issues to improve their sector.

Its Section Concerning House Officers, Medical Officers and Specialists chairman Dr Kevin Ng said the pay discrepancy for contractual officers in the UD41 category and permanent staff classified as UD41 upon completing their housemanship is not very big, but added that the difference is demoralising.

"It reaches up to RM400. But increasing the pay for contrac...