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KOTA KINABALU: The Regional Incentive Allowance (BIW) must be maintained as a key incentive to sustain healthcare services and retain doctors in Sabah, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.

Joachim said the allowance plays a vital role in supporting healthcare workers posted to Sabah and Sarawak, particularly as the Federal Government implements improvements under the new Public Service Remuneration System.

He said any reduction in the BIW would negatively affect Sabah’s healthcare workforce by worsening healthcare inequity and weakening workforce sustainability.

Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo said the BIW is not a privilege but a recognition of the hardship faced by doctors working far from home and warned that reducing the allowance, especially for newly posted officers, would send the wrong message.

He said an estimated RM4 million a year is needed to restore the BIW to fair levels, which is small compared to losses due to inefficiencies, and both he and Joachim made these remarks during the Sabah MMA Annual Dinner and Installation Night 2026 here recently.