KOTA KINABALU: The decision to reduce the fuel subsidy quota from 300 litres to 200 litres could directly affect public healthcare workers, says the Joint Council of Presidents and Secretary-Generals of the Health Ministry Workers Union (Mapsu).
Its president Ajulahin Japin said the decision puts additional pressure on those who do not have the option to work from home (WFH).
"Healthcare workers are among the critical sectors that must always be physically present, even during challenging situations such as pandemics and health crises.
"In all circumstances, they ensure the country’s health system continues to function without disruption," he said in a statement on Friday (April 3).
He explained that the majority of healthcare workers commute long distances daily.
"Monthly fuel usage for this group typically reaches or exceeds 300 litres.
"This is not a matter of lifestyle, but an unavoidable demand of their duties," he said.
Ajulahin said the reduction to 200 litres must take into account the operational realities of the health sector so as not to add to its workers' burden.
As such, he said, the government should reassess the policy to be more sensitive to the actual needs of healthcare workers.
Ajulahin said that the welfare of healthcare workers should not be sidelined in the implementation of subsidy policies.
He urged the government to restore the quota to 300 litres specifically for healthcare workers.
Mapsu proposed a more targeted approach for sectors that cannot implement WFH arrangements.
"The contribution and high mobility needs of healthcare workers must be considered in the formulation of subsidy-related policies.
"The welfare of healthcare workers is directly linked to the ability of the national health system to continue functioning effectively.
"Policy decisions that fail to reflect realities on the ground risk undermining the morale and well-being of the health workforce," he added.
