PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Male Nurses Association (MMN) wants the Health Ministry to scrap plans for a 45-hour workweek for nurses, warning that it could push healthcare workers to their limits.
It said the proposed increase, expected to take effect on June 1, would worsen physical, mental and emotional strain on nurses already pressured by demanding work conditions.
"We want to stress that nurses are not robots. Adding more hours will not only affect the quality of healthcare services but also increase the risk of fatigue, clinical errors, and work-related stress, which could lead to mental health problems," the association said in a statement ahead of International Nurses Day on Monday (May 12).
It expressed solidarity with nurses nationwide, calling for fair treatment and support for their dedication and sacrifices, adding that it wants the current 42-hour workweek to be maintained.
Previously, the Public Service Department had extended the moratorium on the 45-hour workweek for healthcare staff to May 31, following a request from the Health Ministry.
The new schedule, part of the Public Service Remuneration System, will now take effect on June 1.
The plan has drawn criticism from nursing and labour groups, who say it will lead to fatigue, burnout and reduced patient care, calling for the current working hours to be maintained or reduced to 40.
