Keeping 42-hour work week first of many steps forward, says Dzulkefly
KUALA LUMPUR: Describing it as a historic breakthrough, the Health Ministry welcomed the 42-hour work week for shift-based healthcare workers as a recognition of their dedication.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (pic) expressed the ministry’s heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the move.
He welcomed the decision to maintain the current 42-hour work week for five critical service schemes.
“This reflects recognition for the commitment and perseverance of healthcare personnel who care for patients fighting for their lives every day,” Dzulkefly said in a statement yesterday.
The decision, announced by the Public Service Department (PSD), applies to 82,637 healthcare staff under the ministry, sparing them from the previously announced and controversial 45-hour work week proposal.
According to PSD, the decision was made after taking into account the concerns raised by healthcare workers regarding the implementation under the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA).
From last year, The Star ran a series of articles highlighting the Malayan Nurses Union’s concerns that the 45-hour work week would worsen fatigue, stress and work-life imbalance among nurses already stretched thin by manpower shortages.
Dzulkefly said the move underscores the Madani government’s commitment to address the physical, mental and emotional strain faced by healthcare workers.
He added that the breakthrough was the result of coordinated efforts between PSD, unions, related associations, and the Health Ministry’s Nursing and Human Resource Divisions.
Looking ahead, he said the ministry remains focused on pursuing further reforms to strengthen the healthcare system.
“We hope this will be the first of many positive developments for our personnel. I urge all Malaysians to continue honouring the contributions of our healthcare heroes,” he said.
The Malaysian Male Nurses Association (MMN) also welcomed the decision, calling it a significant victory for the wellbeing of frontline workers.
In a statement, MMN expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, Health Minister, PSD and the ministry’s Human Resource division in preserving the current work hours.
“This reflects a strong commitment to the welfare of healthcare workers while ensuring continued quality care for patients.
“This decision proves that the voices of nurses and other healthcare workers are being heard,” the statement read.
The association also said the move would allow nurses and other healthcare personnel to continue providing high-quality care in a more balanced and sustainable work environment.
“We hope the decision will enhance patient care, support better work-life balance for healthcare workers and strengthen collaboration to protect their rights and welfare for a more resilient healthcare system.
“MMN remains committed to working with all relevant parties to uphold the wellbeing of healthcare staff and enhance the quality of healthcare services in Malaysia,” it added.
In a separate statement, Cuepacs president Datuk Dr Adnan Mat also thanked the government for the announcement, saying that the decision aligns with the Madani spirit, which emphasises the values of empathy, welfare and the wellbeing of both citizens and civil servants.
“Cuepacs believes that retaining the 42-hour work week will not only help safeguard the physical, mental and emotional health of healthcare personnel but will also ensure the quality of public healthcare services remains at its highest standard,” he said.
Meanwhile, the guidelines to manage bullying at health facilities will be launched in conjunction with World Mental Health Day this October, added the Health Minister.
Dzulkefly said the guidelines would then be distributed to all health facilities to strengthen existing support systems, including MyHelp KKM.
“This reflects the ministry’s commitment towards the psychosocial welfare of its workforce,” he said in a statement.
On Aug 29 last year, a specialist at Hospital Lahad Datu was found dead in her rented home in the wake of allegations of workplace bullying.
