Kuala Lumpur: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has secured approval to increase the On-Call Duty Allowance (ETAP) for health workers, with an official announcement regarding the specifics expected soon, as stated by Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He underscored his continuous commitment to enhancing the welfare of health workers throughout his tenure at MOH.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Dzulkefly confirmed the approval of the allowance increment, emphasizing that the details will be disclosed following a formal announcement. The minister was speaking to reporters during the launch of the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2024: Nutrition at MOH headquarters. The ETAP serves as compensation for additional duties undertaken by medical officers during on-call shifts at hospitals outside regular working hours.

Additionally, Dr Dzulkefly mentioned that approval had been granted for revising the fee schedule of private clinics and hospitals. Addressing allegations concerning a lavish Hari Raya ceremony hosted by the ministry, he clarified that renowned artist Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin’s participation was through Yayasan Nurjiwa, and that she was not paid by the ministry for her appearance. Similarly, Datuk Jamal Abdillah received only a nominal token for his participation.

Dr Dzulkefly explained that the Hari Raya ceremony aimed to honor senior members of the Ministry of Health from various locations, not solely those based in Putrajaya. This clarification follows criticism from several news outlets regarding the ministry’s expenditure on the event, which notably included the presence of prominent artists. Siti Nurhaliza herself clarified that her attendance was as a guest, rather than an officially invited performer.