Kuala Lumpur: Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, clarified that the decision to shelve the Waktu Bekerja Berlainan (WBB) pilot project was not a ‘flip-flop’ decision. He stated that the Cabinet’s decision to cancel the staggered working hours system was made to allow for more comprehensive engagement with all relevant parties.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Dzulkefly explained that the WBB project remains in its pilot phase and faced criticism due to the lack of involvement from various stakeholders. During his speech at the 2024 Amanah National Convention, he emphasized that a final decision on the project’s implementation has yet to be made.

On January 24, Dr Dzulkefly announced that the Cabinet had decided to pause the WBB pilot project to conduct a more in-depth and thorough study. A special committee, led by former Director-General of Health, Tan Sri Abu Bakar Suleiman, has been established by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to oversee this process.

Dr Dzulkefly also addressed the issue of a leaked circular regarding the WBB guidelines, which caused discontent among doctors nationwide. He noted that this leak led to disputes because medical professionals felt excluded from the discussions. After raising these concerns with the Cabinet, it was agreed that the WBB pilot project would be canceled, but the study to gather input from all parties would continue.