PETALING JAYA: The government has shelved plans for the 45-hour work week for over 82,000 healthcare workers, says the Public Services Department (PSD).
It said the government acknowledged and took note of the concerns voiced by healthcare workers regarding the implementation of a 45-hour per week shift work schedule under the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA).
"In line with the principles of Malaysia Madani, which emphasise compassion, welfare and the well-being of the people and public servants, the government has agreed to grant an exemption from the 45-hour shift work requirement for five critical service schemes under the Health Ministry.
"Under this exemption, the working hours for the affected healthcare workers will be set at 42 hours per week," it said in a statement on Friday (July 11).
The exemption will involve a total of 82,637 healthcare personnel, comprising nurses, community nurses, medical officers in emergency departments, assistant medical officers and healthcare assistants.
The PSD said this move was after conducting a thorough assessment of operational needs and recognising the critical and demanding nature of duties carried out by healthcare personnel who are directly involved in life-saving situations at all hours.
It added that the government views these responsibilities as requiring an exceptional level of physical, mental and emotional preparedness.
This measure reaffirms the government's commitment to listening to the voices of frontline healthcare workers and taking proactive steps to safeguard their welfare, recognising their vital role as the backbone of the nation's healthcare system, it said.
On March 8, the PSD extended the interim moratorium on the 45-hour work week for healthcare staff by three months.
The 45-hour work week was supposed to come into effect on March 1.
Although the PSD had agreed to extend the interim period, the ministry said healthcare facilities prepared to adopt the 45 working hours under the SSPA system could go ahead.
Several nursing groups had opposed the 45-hour work week and called for working hours to be maintained at 42 hours.
