Kuala Lumpur: The decision by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to seek a moratorium on the implementation of the 45-hour working week for nurses is seen as a strategic move to gather input from all relevant parties. Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) president, Datuk Dr Adnan Mat, expressed confidence that the government would manage the issue effectively, ensuring that the health delivery system remains unaffected.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Adnan highlighted that Cuepacs plans to offer its perspectives to the government soon, addressing the concerns raised by various stakeholders. He emphasized the importance of the moratorium in facilitating discussions and fostering a decision that benefits all parties involved. “So that period (moratorium) is able to ease the situation and provide space for giving views and suggestions and achieving a win-win decision,” he stated during the Negeri Sembilan Wakaf Month programme, officiated by Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Council (MAINS) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Aziz Sheikh Ab Kadir.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad had previously announced plans to request a moratorium during the interim period for implementing the 45-hour working week for MOH nurses. This follows the Public Service Department’s (JPA) approval of an interim period from December 1 to February 28. During this time, the MOH has organized public engagement and dialogue sessions nationwide.

Meanwhile, Dr Adnan noted that Cuepacs is aware of the trend of nurses leaving the Ministry of Health. “We have received the feedback on the 45-hour week and it is being studied so that the level of health delivery to the people is not affected,” he said. Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang revealed that over the past five years, 1,754 nurses have departed from the Ministry, with 27.98 percent citing personal issues as the cause.