KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 — A petition has called for contract extensions or permanent positions for 437 assistant environmental health officers (PPKP) as their contracts are set to end on July 23.
The petition by Nizam Raof said 437 non-sponsored or outsourced PPKPs nationwide have been serving the Ministry of Health (MOH) for nearly five years since the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We have gained extensive experience, training, and a high level of competency in carrying out our duties throughout the country. If our services are not continued, the MOH risks losing an experienced workforce that has long supported the public health system,” said Nizam in his petition that has received over 160 signatures at the time of writing.
These PPKPs or health inspectors are responsible for inspection and monitoring of food premises; enforcement of public health laws, including the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852); control of infectious disease and vector control; environmental health protection; and management of public complaints.
“We respectfully request that the Ministry of Health Malaysia extend the contract period of service for the 437 non-sponsored PPKP without any break in service;
“That the MOH, the Public Service Department (JPA), and the Public Service Commission of Malaysia (SPA) consider a mechanism for absorption into permanent positions for officers who meet the requirements and are subject to service needs.”
Separately, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad reportedly told Rasah MP Cha Kee Chin in a written parliamentary reply that dental officers from the second batch of the 2021 intake wouldn’t be extended, after their contracts ended last July 11.
Permanent positions for dentists will only be processed in November, since the MOH is undergoing a process of rationalisation and strategic realignment of career pathways.
