PUTRAJAYA – The government has agreed to exempt five critical service schemes under the Health Ministry (MOH) from the new 45-hour weekly shift requirement, capping their working hours at 42 hours per week instead.
In a statement today, the Public Services Department (JPA) said the decision was made in recognition of concerns raised by medical personnel over the implementation of the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA).
“Following a detailed study of operational needs and the critical nature of duties performed by medical personnel—who are directly responsible for saving lives around the clock—the government recognises that such roles demand extraordinary levels of physical, mental, and emotional endurance,” the department said.
The move, it added, also reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to prioritise the welfare of medical frontliners, who form the backbone of the nation’s healthcare system.
A total of 82,637 personnel will benefit from the exemption, including healthcare staff, social nurses, emergency department medical officers, assistant medical officers, and healthcare assistants. — July 11, 2025