PETALING JAYA: Government healthcare workers, particularly nurses, in several states have yet to receive their uniform supplies or tailoring payments despite the year nearing its end.
Malayan Nurses Union (MNU) president Noor Aini Abu Hashim said uniforms are a basic necessity for nurses to carry out their daily duties, while also representing the identity, professionalism and image of the nursing profession and public healthcare service.
“MNU takes this matter seriously because it is not merely about clothing or appearance,” she said, calling for the issue to be resolved immediately.
“It is true that the shortage of nurses and workload are bigger issues. However, we cannot separate welfare issues into big and small matters.
“Nurses’ welfare begins with the basics. If we want nurses to remain in the service and feel valued, they need a safe working environment, adequate facilities, appropriate uniforms and the support necessary to carry out their duties.”
MNU did not want the issue to be viewed merely as a matter of fabric but as part of a broader question of how the nursing workforce was valued, protected and retained within the healthcare system.
Noor Aini said the Health Ministry must explain the cause of the delay, set a timeline for resolving the matter and improve the uniform supply system to prevent it from recurring.
Senator Dr RA Lingeshwaran said he had received several complaints through social media from staff in many states.
“A review of 718 comments and replies from 611 user accounts on my Facebook post showed concerns over delays in supply, outstanding payments and the quality of the fabric supplied,” he said.
However, he noted that not all staff at the facilities were experiencing the same problems, with some reports indicating that supplies and payments had been received, including differences between categories of staff within the same facility.
It is learnt that the ministry is awaiting Finance Ministry approval through the government procurement system for additional fabric and had begun gathering feedback from hospital heads on the supply situation after the complaints emerged.
“I understand that the delay in supplies is due to the need for additional quantities, with the approval currently being considered by the Finance Ministry.
“The bigger question is why inaccurate estimates were made when the contract extension was implemented.
“Who made those estimates?” Dr Lingeshwaran asked.
He said the issues raised also went beyond supply delays, with many healthcare workers complaining that the fabric was too stiff, hot, poorly absorbent, too thin or see-through, turned yellow quickly and was difficult to sew.
“Some said tailors refused to accept the fabric, forcing them to buy other fabric or ready-made uniforms with their own money,” he added.
The former director of Hospital Sungai Bakap also called for a review of the type and quality of fabric supplied, as well as the supplier involved.
He said successful delivery should not be measured solely by whether the fabric reached healthcare workers but also by whether it was suitable for use.
“Healthcare workers need to remain active and work in various conditions, including environments without air-conditioning. Comfort, durability and appropriate attire are basic requirements for them,” he said.
Dr Lingeshwaran also urged the ministry to establish a confidential complaints channel for personnel to report such issues.
