PETALING JAYA: The government's proposal to implement the Different Working Hours (WBB) system for public healthcare professionals is unsuitable, says MCA
According to a statement by MCA vice-president Datuk Ir Lawrence Low on Saturday (Jan 18), the proposed system would have a negative impact on those employed in the field.
Below is the full statement.
The government's proposal to implement the Different Working Hours (WBB) system for public healthcare workers should be taken seriously, as it appears to force staff to undergo 18-hour continuous shifts, including night shifts, without on-call allowances.
This is further complicated by conflicting information from the Ministry of Health (MOH). A circular dated 10 January 2025 stated that the first phase of the implementation would take place at selected departments and locations, effective from the date the letter was issued.
However, the situation became even more confusing when the Minister of Health, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, made a statement that the WBB proposal is still at the suggestion stage and has not yet been approved for implementation.
This contradicts the letter issued by the MOH, which stated that the WBB system had already been presented to the Public Service Department (JPA) on 5 December last year.
So, which is the correct and accurate version?
MCA believes that the WBB system proposal is unsuitable for implementation, as the country continues to face a shortage of medical professionals. This system will likely exacerbate public apprehension and deter individuals from pursuing careers in the medical field.
It is unjust to withhold allowances for those working 18-hour shifts, as their expertise and dedication are vital to maintaining the integrity of the country's healthcare system.
If this system is implemented, it is undeniable that it will have a negative impact on the medical workers themselves, patients, and the country's healthcare system. The possible consequences are as follows:
1. Physical and Mental Strain on Workers
Working 18 hours is not a short period, and furthermore, they need to provide the best service to patients. These healthcare professionals will experience extreme fatigue, which will reduce their physical ability to work effectively. This could also expose them to the risk of injury or accidents while working. Fatigue may lead to stress, which in turn can decrease the quality of their work.
2. Decline in Service Quality
Efficient and effective medical services are essential, as they directly impact public health. However, if the physical and emotional well-being of healthcare workers is compromised, can they continue to provide quality care? Can they effectively treat patients while grappling with mental fatigue?
3. Disincentive to Work
Their role in delivering healthcare deserves recognition. If the government fails to provide overtime allowances or incentives, it will demotivate healthcare workers, ultimately compromising the overall quality of the healthcare system.
MCA remains confident that the government is fully aware of both the benefits and drawbacks of the WBB system proposal. With that said, we are fully supportive should the government make the decision to postpone its implementation until a more suitable time.
The implementation of this system should not result in an even greater shortage of medical workers, whether through resignations to work overseas or, particularly among the younger generation, a loss of interest in pursuing careers in the medical field.
MCA urges that this system not be implemented, as it would constitute an 'abuse' of medical workers. The country’s healthcare system undoubtedly requires improvement, not further deterioration.
Datuk Ir Lawrence Low
MCA vice-president