KUALA LUMPUR – Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad has lauded the government’s move to exempt five critical service schemes within the Health Ministry (MOH) from the implementation of a 45-hour work week, enabling them to retain the existing 42-hour schedule.
In a statement issued today, Dzulkefly expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, calling the decision a reflection of the administration’s attentiveness to the mental, physical and emotional challenges faced by healthcare personnel.
“The ministry welcomes the decision to maintain the current 42-hour work week for its five critical service schemes,” he said.
“It is a recognition of the dedication and spirit of healthcare workers who assist patients fighting for their lives every day and at all hours.”
Dzulkefly also credited the Public Service Department (PSD), unions, associations, and the relevant divisions within the MOH for their collaborative efforts in ensuring the outcome.
“This signifies the spirit of teamwork and the whole-of-nation approach in delivering the best solutions for the people. The MOH will continue striving to bring about more positive changes.
“…may there be more good news ahead for the ministry in line with the planned health reform strategies,” he added.
The decision, which affects 82,637 personnel, includes nurses, community nurses, medical officers in emergency departments, assistant medical officers and healthcare assistants.
These roles had initially been earmarked for a shift to a 45-hour schedule under the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA).
In a statement yesterday, the PSD confirmed the exemption, citing the strenuous demands and life-critical nature of the roles performed by the affected personnel.
“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,” the PSD said.
It added that the decision was based on operational assessments and concerns raised by healthcare workers, many of whom had argued that longer working hours could negatively impact both patient care and staff welfare.
The initial plan to implement a 45-hour work week under the SSPA was supposed to begin on March 1, but a three-month interim moratorium was introduced in March following backlash from several healthcare groups. While the moratorium was in effect, facilities prepared to make the shift were allowed to proceed voluntarily.
Nursing associations had strongly opposed the change, advocating for the 42-hour model to remain in place due to the taxing nature of the work.
The PSD noted that the exemption reinforces the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of frontline medical staff and safeguarding the interests of those considered the backbone of the healthcare system. – July 12, 2025