PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry has sent out a survey to junior doctors due to report for duty at permanent posts via a messaging app to gather feedback on bringing forward their reporting date.

However, this became a source of confusion among doctors.

The Malaysian Medical Association’s section concerning house officers, medical officers and specialists (MMA SCHOMOS) then asked the doctors to refrain from responding to the message while it sought clarification from the ministry.

“Apparently, your permanent post reporting date might be moved earlier – based on a forwarded message and a casual poll. Seriously? Perhaps this is all fake news? We do not know but we will find out,” MMA SCHOMOS said in a post on social media yesterday.

“We are seeking clarification from the Health Ministry and will update once we receive an official response.

“Meanwhile, hold off on responding to anything unofficial. Your careers deserve better than vague messages and unverified polls,” it added.

MMA SCHOMOS said employment matters should be communicated officially, through formal letters or at the very least through a verified e-mail.

“This kind of approach creates confusion, anxiety and could be perceived as unprofessional,” it said.

A Health Ministry spokes­person confirmed that the poll was a survey conducted by the ministry.

“The poll was only a survey to get quick feedback on the idea of early reporting. The poll result is to be tabled internally for further action,” said the official.

“In summary, the Human Resources Department needed to assess the level of acceptance of the proposal by the Medical Officers involved before making any decisions, to ensure the goal of filling positions at the ministry’s facilities nationwide by 2025 can be effectively achieved.”

The ministry had asked the doctors whether they would agree to report for duty a month earlier.

The original date for reporting duty for permanent positions was scheduled on Oct 2 and the junior doctors were asked if they would agree to report for duty on Sept 2.

In a separate development, the Health Ministry said all candidates who accepted the permanent offer would report for duty at health facilities nationwide in phases starting Oct 2.

The ministry, in a statement, said the exercise involved contract officers from several cohorts and is being carried out in phases to preserve their seniority and safeguard their welfare.

It added that an engagement session was held with the Finance Ministry, the Public Service Commission and the Public Service Department to ensure the appointment process proceeded as planned.

“This is in line with the ministry’s strategic move to strengthen the country’s public healthcare system by ensuring that critical positions are filled in an organised and balanced manner, based on current service needs,” it added.