Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Health (MOH) will issue a circular on guidelines for working hour limits for house officers (PPS) in the near future. Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad announced this initiative following a report by Malaysian Medics International (MMI), which indicated that house officers in the country are working between 65 and 85 hours a week.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Dzulkefly stated that the new guideline circular aims to enhance the governance of working hours for house officers, a matter currently under the attention of Health director-general Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab. This announcement was made at a press conference after the launch of the 5th Annual Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM) Trial Connect Conference 2026.
The forthcoming circular is expected to improve the management of the flexible working hours system in line with the regulations at the country's health facilities. This move is part of a broader effort to ensure better working conditions for medical practitioners in Malaysia.
In a related development, Dzulkefly addressed concerns regarding the Malaysian Medical Council's (MMC) examination of policy changes prompted by the UK's implementation of the Medical Training (Prioritisation) Act 2026. This new policy alters the entry requirements for the Foundation Programme (FY1/FY2), affecting around 850 Malaysian medical students at Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed Malaysia).
Dr Mahathar, in his role as MMC president, will examine these changes and seek solutions for the affected students facing uncertainty about their future. Dzulkefly emphasized that the registration and recognition process for medical graduates in Malaysia adheres to the Medical Act 1971 and existing regulations.
He further noted that all decisions regarding registration, training, and professional qualifications are based on statutory requirements and standards set by the MMC. Medical qualifications listed under the Second Schedule of the Medical Act 1971 remain recognized for registration purposes in Malaysia.
The MMC is committed to its regulatory role, ensuring that all registered medical practitioners in Malaysia meet the required standards of competency, professionalism, and patient safety. The new UK regulations prioritize graduates who complete their studies and training physically in the UK, thus classifying NUMed Malaysia students, who complete their studies in Malaysia, as international medical graduates (IMGs).