Credit : Bernama Images
PETALING JAYA, Feb 2 – To tackle Malaysia’s critical nurse shortage, the Health Ministry has lowered the entry requirements for the diploma in nursing programme from five credits to three for SPM graduates.
Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed the decision, citing an urgent need to boost recruitment. The change will apply to students enrolling in 2025 and 2026.
Previously, students required five credits, including Bahasa Melayu, Mathematics, and a science subject. Now, only three credits are needed, with a pass in two other subjects, including English.
Experts have long warned that Malaysia faces a 60% nurse shortage by 2030, exacerbated by high-income countries recruiting Malaysian nurses with better salaries and working conditions.
