The council’s chief executive, Howard Catton, said Malaysia’s shortage – projected to reach nearly 60% of the total nursing workforce by 2030 – has been exacerbated by high-income nations hiring experienced nurses from Asia with better pay and working conditions.

Catton said a decade-long plan is needed, with a focus on better wages, working conditions, safety, and career prospects in order to attract new nurses while retaining experienced staff.

“There are countries who are increasing their supply of nurses, but the demand is growing faster than the supply. It takes three years to educate a nurse. So have a long-term plan and identify the funds for it as well,” he told FMT.

Catton said such a plan would need to bring nurses’ salaries closer to the national average income. The income of a nurse in a public hospital is said to range from RM2,600 to RM3,800 with allowances, while the national average of monthly salaries was reportedly RM6,610 in May this year.

“This sends a very powerful message to nurses or prospective nurses that we don’t value the work that they do,” he said.

Catton also called for greater investment in the nursing profession and in health workers.

“Poor care, resulting in harm to patients, is estimated to cost countries as much as 10% of their gross domestic product,” he said.

Investment in health services would result in healthy people working, and engaged in society. “There’s an economic boost that comes from this,” he said. “It’s a way to boost your economic growth and recovery.”