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

This has become a source of confusion among doctors.

The Malaysian Medical Association’s section concerning house officers, medical officers and specialists (SCHOMOS) (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 Thursday (Aug 7).

“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 email.

“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 ministry official.

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

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 instead.