KUALA LUMPUR: Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has assured that the newly announced Rakan KKM initiative will not impose additional burdens on medical officers, specialists or nurses.

"This matter has actually already been addressed," he said, adding that prior to the launch, the ministry conducted several engagement sessions, including town halls and staff surveys.

Dzulkefly was speaking to the press during the Precision Public Health Asia 2025 Conference in Petaling Jaya today.

"It was clear that they do have time to do locum work in private hospitals," he said.

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Dzulkefly clarified that participation is entirely voluntary and that those without time are not part of the target group.

He added that Rakan KKM is aimed at critical healthcare specialists who the ministry is seeking to retain through extra remuneration and other incentives.

The minister also urged the media to refrain from speculating about the programme's operational details, adding that a briefing on the matter will be held in the near future.

Yesterday, Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira urged the Health Ministry to clarify the structure and operations of the newly announced Rakan KKM initiative.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/07/1245229/malaysian-medical-ass...

Kalwinder said key questions remained over its governance, scope, financing model and staffing.

The programme is set to offer 'premium economy' services at selected public hospitals for elective outpatient, day care and inpatient services, including personalised care, specialist choice and enhanced privacy.