KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 7 — A coalition of Malaysian nurses’ associations has strongly opposed the government’s plan to implement a 45-hour work week for nurses, medical assistants, and other clinical health workers, warning of severe consequences for the country’s health care system.
The groups, which include the Malaysian Nurses Association, the Male Nurses Association of Malaysia, and the Medical Assistants Association of Malaysia, said the proposal by the Public Service Department (JPA) would worsen staff shortages, increase burnout, and lead to an exodus of health care workers.
“We, representing nurses, medical assistants, and allied health personnel, strongly assert that the implementation of this system by JPA will cause greater harm and further weaken (memudaratkan) the country’s already struggling health care system,” the associations said in a joint statement today.
A recent online survey conducted among Ministry of Health (MOH) staff found that 99.5 per cent of 28,373 respondents opposed the proposed work schedule, which the groups say fails to account for the realities of shift work in hospitals.
Staff Already Working Beyond 45 Hours
While the government argues the change would standardise working hours, health care workers already exceed 45 hours per week due to double shifts, night duty, and staff shortages, the statement said.
“Many of us are already working well beyond 45 hours a week. The current system forces health care staff to come in early, leave late, and take on extra shifts due to chronic understaffing,” the groups said.
The associations also criticised the lack of stakeholder engagement before the policy was introduced.
“Any major change to health care workers’ schedules must go through proper consultation with professional bodies such as nursing and medical assistant associations. Making unilateral decisions without discussion reflects a disregard for the wellbeing of health care staff,” they said.
‘This System Is Not For Health Care’
The coalition further argued that a rigid 45-hour system is only suitable for office jobs, not the health care sector, which requires round-the-clock services.
“The health care system operates 24/7, and shift work needs to be flexible to maintain staff wellbeing. A so-called ‘one-hour break’ in reality just extends working hours, as patient care is continuous,” the groups added.
If implemented, they warned, the policy could push more health care workers to resign or move to the private sector or overseas.
“An increased workload without fair compensation will only drive more resignations, worsening staff shortages in government hospitals and clinics,” they said, adding that longer working hours would lead to more medical errors and put patient safety at risk.
Demands For Immediate Action
The nurses’ and medical assistants’ associations called for the immediate cancellation of the 45-hour work week proposal, stressing that any policy changes affecting health care workers must be based on proper engagement with professional groups.
They outlined three key demands:
- Immediate withdrawal of the proposal before more health care workers face excessive burdens or resign in large numbers.
- Formal consultations with health care worker associations to ensure any future policy decisions prioritise both staff welfare and patient care.
- A more flexible shift system that protects the wellbeing of health care workers while maintaining high-quality services.
“The wellbeing of health care workers is the foundation of a strong health care system. Without proper action, Malaysia risks facing an uncontrollable health crisis,” the groups warned.
The statement was jointly issued by Persatuan Jururawat Malaysia (Malaysian Nurses Association), Delegation of Nurses, Persatuan Jururawat Lelaki Malaysia (Male Nurses Association of Malaysia), Persatuan Pembantu Perubatan Malaysia (Medical Assistants Association of Malaysia), Persatuan Jururawat Islam Malaysia (Islamic Nurses Association of Malaysia), Persatuan Kesihatan Mental Jururawat Malaysia (Malaysian Mental Health Nurses Association), and Persatuan Jururawat Darul Iman.
