KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry (MOH) will review proposals from five nurses' associations as part of feedback on the recent increase in weekly work hours.
This comes after criticisms towards a new directive under the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), which now mandates 45 hours compared to the previous 42 hours.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad in a posting on X said he acknowledged the input and concerns of various stakeholders about the changes under the new SSPA system.
"I appreciate and value the feedback provided by the five nurses' associations on this matter, which will be carefully reviewed through their engagement efforts," he said.
In a statement yesterday, the nursing associations called for the directive to be delayed, citing insufficient staffing and heightened risks of stress, exhaustion, and burnout among healthcare workers.
The associations also revealed that they had conducted a survey to collect nurses' feedback on the issue, with the findings set to be compiled into a memorandum to be presented to the authorities, alongside plans for discussions with the ministry's senior leadership.
Meanwhile, Dzulkefly said that the changes under SSPA apply to all shift workers, particularly nurses, adding that any decision must be informed by real data and address issues such as acute shortages and maldistribution of healthcare staff.
"It is only fair to those affected in the Health Ministry that any final decision is made comprehensively, based on the reality of actual data and information," he said.
He said that the ministry's services are grounded in compassion and empathy, values that must first be reflected in its workforce management.
"I urge Health Ministry staff impacted by this change to remain patient as we work to refine and resolve this matter soon."
He said engagements involving the nursing division and relevant nurses' organisations will be held as scheduled to address the concerns raised.