Job Demand, Career & Salary for Pharmacists in Malaysia – Study at a Top Pharmacy School for Better Prospects

Please fill up the Form below and I will WhatsApp you and provide you with sound advise on how to choose the best private university or college in Malaysia to study at. If you do not give your mobile number or full name as in IC, your query will not be answered. Our knowledgeable & experienced counsellor will send you a message on WhatsApp & provide assistance from there.

Employment for Pharmacists in Malaysia

The private pharmacy sector employs almost one-third of all pharmacists in the country. In 2013, this figure stood at 3,325 pharmacists, then in 2016 rose to a total of 4,133 Type A License holders, and 3,094 registered community pharmacists managing a retail store in Malaysia.

Malaysia is projected to have a pharmacist-to-population ratio of 1:2000 by 2017. This is the standard suggested by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for a developed nation. And as of September 1, 2015, Malaysia has a pharmacist-to-population ratio of 1:2315. There are some 7,117 pharmacists in the public sector and 5,177 pharmacists in the private sector, totalling 12, 294 pharmacists (including community pharmacists) nationwide.

Although the number of community pharmacists has risen, it still pales in comparison to the total Malaysian population. There is a significant imbalance between the number of pharmacists against the population. In 2013, the ratio was reported as one pharmacist per 2,949 population; and it only improved slightly to one pharmacist per 2,900 population in 2015.

Similarly, the number of pharmacy stores in the country is small in comparison to the growing numbers of the nation’s population. In 2011, the Pharmaceutical Service Division recorded a total of 1,854 operational pharmacies. Of these, most were concentrated in the state of Selangor (427 stores), Penang (219 stores) and the federal territory of Kuala Lumpur (216 stores). The state of Terengganu and Perlis reported the least number of pharmacies, only 26 and 13 respectively. The uneven distribution of community pharmacies reflected the lack of regulation on pharmacy zoning.

Currently in 2020, Malaysia has around 2,600 community pharmacies, half of which are based in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

Unlike certain western countries, there is no regulation to control the location of these stores and it is common to see several competing pharmacies in the same area. Not only will such a practice lead to unhealthy business competition, but these pharmacists also have effectively neglected those who live in less “popular” areas.

Expected increase in number of community pharmacists

However, the number of community pharmacies is expected to rise significantly in the coming years. A recent study showed that the number had increased by 40% in 2014, after just a short three-year span from the 2011 baseline. Additionally, the government had allowed provisionally registered pharmacists to practice in the community setting. It is expected that such policy changes will further stimulate more pharmacists to venture into the private sector.

The 2012 National Survey on the Use of Medicine (NSUM) revealed that almost 40% of Malaysians consume pharmaceutical products, traditional health supplements or beauty products at some point in their lives. From this group, over one quarter suffered from chronic diseases that required long-term medication. The survey also uncovered the spending habit of these consumers. More than 70% of them obtained their medicine supplies from retail pharmacies.

Salary for Pharmacists in Malaysia

Salary is typically the predominant consideration when it comes to choosing a career. It is even more so today, considering the spiking costs of living. Two years ago, a survey from JobStreet showed that pharmacist was among the best-paying jobs in Malaysia. But is it still the case today?

Pharmacists in the Public Sector in Malaysia

In the public sector, PRPs will begin their career as “Pharmacy Officer Grade U41″ or as it’s said in the Malay language, “Pegawai Farmasi Gred U41”, with a monthly basic salary of approximately RM2,500 (NOT including allowances).

They will retain at grade U41 after completing their PRP training successfully, but will enjoy an annual salary increment. From there on, their career progression will be relatively linear with a time-based promotion within the public sector.

The majority of pharmacists will achieve the grade of U52 within approximately 11 years of continuous service in the public sector, from which they will receive a monthly basic salary of approximately RM5,000 – RM6,400. On top of the basic salary, a U52 Pharmacy Officer is entitled to other allowances amounting to around RM 2,000 per month. Further progression in grade (i.e. promotion onto grade U54 or further) depends on the availability of the position and other considerations (3).

Pharmacists in the Private Sector in Malaysia

For graduates who choose to venture into the private sector, they can expect a more variable salary from one company to another. Till date, there is no standardized salary scheme across the profession in the private sector.

Anecdotal reports from existing PRPs showed that one can safely expect a minimum salary of approximately RM 2,600. Certain companies provide a slightly higher payment at RM 3,000 per month, but this is not common.

The biggest difference between pharmacists in the public sector and private sector is the career progression after qualification as FRP. In the private sector, there are many options, and advancement does not necessarily follow a linear order. One can choose to climb the corporate ladder, or attempt to build his/her own business. For example, a successful retail pharmacy owner may earn a 5-figure income per month.

Pharmacists in Malaysia

The pharmacy job market is now at risk of oversupply. This is apparent when the salary of provisionally registered pharmacists plummeted approximately 25% in just a few short years. This article intends to explore and provide an overview on pharmacist salaries in Malaysia, and how it increases as experience and knowledge grow. It is important to understand that the figures provided are an estimation and should only be used as a reference.

1. Provisionally Registered Pharmacists

Firstly, provisionally registered pharmacists (PRP) are – not surprisingly – among the lowest paid group in the profession. Currently, a PRP can assume to fetch a monthly salary ranging from RM2,500 to RM2,800. Although many PRPs may feel frustrated over the lower salary compared to the previous record of RM3,500, the current amount still matches the average salary for Malaysian employees.

2. Fully Registered Pharmacists

Once the trainee completes the one-year training and qualifies as a Fully Registered Pharmacist (FRP), he or she can then look forward to receiving a slightly increased income. The amount may vary but it generally fluctuates at around RM3,500. Of course, the increase in salary is accompanied by more responsibility and workload as well. An FRP is considered a full-fledged healthcare professional, and will be depended upon to provide good quality services. Most importantly, FRPs will be wholly accountable for their actions and decisions where many of which have a direct impact on patient health. Any act of negligence will not be tolerated.

3. Senior Pharmacists

With 5 years of on-the-job experience, one can qualify as a senior pharmacist. Although there is no definite distinction that separates a junior pharmacist with his/her senior counterpart, a good pharmacist generally needs to spend a reasonably long time to acquire specialized knowledge in his/her chosen field to qualify as a senior pharmacist. This expertise comes with a generous salary of more than RM5,000 a month. In many retail pharmacies, a senior pharmacist, who also acts as the store manager, can easily earn up to RM6,000 or more. Most of these pharmacists will then take on managerial responsibilities to lead their own team in running daily businesses. This is common across both the private and public sector. Senior pharmacists may also need to consider expanding their knowledge beyond pharmacy into management or other related fields.

4. Pharmacy Heads

At the highest hierarchy, a pharmacist can become head of the pharmacy department or other similar top level manager. The salary in comparison is also the highest. A public sector pharmacist with ten years of experience can earn up to RM8,000 or more, depending on the years of service (3). In the private sector where salary schemes are less rigid, the amount will very much depend on the specialized skills possessed by the pharmacist. It is not uncommon for pharmacists with PhD qualifications to fetch five-figure salaries in the pharmaceutical industry. The sweet fruit of success always comes after hard work. However, it is important to realize the workload is always proportional to the amount written on the pay cheque. The higher the salary, the heavier the burden becomes. Not all pharmacists would like to carry such responsibilities throughout their career. It is a very personal choice, one which is worth putting some serious thought into.

For those working in the public sector, it is unfortunate that there is no pharmacist specialization program at the moment. In other words, public sector pharmacists cannot progress to become certified pharmacist specialist like their medical counterparts. Although a pharmacist can still choose to undertake overseas qualification, this achievement typically will not be reflected in the rigid salary scheme.

Nonetheless, there are many useful knowledge and skills that a pharmacist can capitalize upon to boost their incomes. For those who work in community pharmacies, it is common to be offered a profit-sharing scheme or sales commissions. Almost all retail pharmacies in Malaysia sell various health supplements and herbal medicines. Good knowledge in this niche area will be very rewarding financially. It is also possible for Malaysian pharmacists to opt for locum work, but this option is only available for eligible pharmacists (with appropriate years of experience) who obtained a license to practice as the locum.

The article above is written by Mak Wen Yao and taken from https://today.mims.com/pharmacists–salary-increment-trend-within-your-profession?channel=GN-Career