Malaysia’s government hospitals and clinics are known for charging only RM1 per consultation for citizens.
However, a recent Facebook post by a netizen has sparked discussion online after he claimed he encountered healthcare staff who made remarks suggesting certain patients should seek treatment at private hospitals instead.
The netizen wrote that long waiting hours at government hospitals were not an issue for him as he could use the time to handle work and reply to messages.
What bothered him instead was the attitude of certain medical staff.
‘Tell him to go to a private hospital’
According to his post, a nurse suddenly made a remark to a colleague within earshot.
Tell him to go to a private hospital. No need to pay here.”
The netizen said he was momentarily stunned and unsure whether the remark was meant as a joke.
He added that he had visited government hospitals countless times this year, and on every visit, he waited patiently without complaint.
“We waited properly each time. Aren’t we citizens too? Can’t we use the RM1 government medical service? Just because our skin colour is different, does it mean we shouldn’t come for RM1 treatment?” he wrote.
The netizen clarified that most doctors and nurses in government hospitals had treated him well.
However, he claimed that a small number of staff members displayed unprofessional behaviour, chatting with colleagues while patients waited, or appearing impatient until their shift ended or holidays arrived.
He also recalled another nurse once telling him: “Chinese can go to private hospitals, no problem.”
Despite such encounters, he said he usually responded politely, bowing slightly and saying “Good morning” or “Thank you,” even when faced with rude treatment.
Still grateful for public healthcare system
While sharing his frustration, the netizen emphasised that he remained grateful for Malaysia’s public healthcare system, which he described as a service that does not generate profit and is often under heavy strain.
“I’m still thankful Malaysia can sustain this healthcare system that doesn’t really make money. But like many national issues, ordinary citizens like us can’t do much about it,” he wrote.
He ended his post with a call for equal respect for all Malaysians seeking treatment at government hospitals.
Doctors are not enough, nurses are very busy. But if we are willing to wait, can we please not be treated differently based on skin colour, and be given equal and basic respect as Malaysian citizens?”
The post has since drawn reactions from netizens, with many sharing similar experiences and calling for better professionalism and fairness in public healthcare services.
