Nurses' union confirms subpar fabric grouses, seeks feedback

The Malayan Nurses Union (MNU) reportedly confirmed that they received complaints of nurses being provided poor-quality fabrics to make their uniforms.

A report by Berita Harian today quoted MNU president Saaidah Athman saying the union is still collecting more feedback on the issue but acknowledged it is not a new problem.

“It is not a new issue, but we have told nurses if they are not satisfied (with the quality of the cloth provided), return it. The relevant parties will find a new supplier, or the hospital will handle it such as by procuring their own.

“So far, I’m still waiting for feedback from my subordinates, but I have received one (complaint) that the fabric is a little coarse which made it a little uncomfortable to wear,” she was quoted as saying.

She reportedly added that whenever a nurse receives a new uniform, the state health department would enquire whether they are satisfied with its quality.

“The fabric for the uniforms is provided by contractors. I’m just worried they sent out samples that are good and high-quality but sent out a different fabric when it comes to the actual distribution.

“However, the MNU will get further information from our members nationwide on this matter,” she said.

Saaidah’s comments came after Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng highlighted the plight of government nurses during a debate in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

He claimed there were complaints that the fabrics were so “keras” (coarse) that tailors declined to use them out of concern that the cloth could break their sewing machine’s needle.

The fabric was also allegedly quick to turn yellow, causing the nurses to be scolded by their matrons.

He claimed there were also cases of nurses donating the fabric provided to them, for use as burial shrouds. If the nurses reject the fabric, they stand to lose RM690 in allowances provided by the government for tailoring purposes.

According to the Berita Harian report, Saaidah did not respond to Lim’s allegation regarding the fabric being repurposed as burial shrouds.

Nurse remanded 7 days in infant death probe

Nurse, guards injured after knife assault in Sydney hospital

Guan Eng raises plight of nurses getting 'burial shrouds' for uniforms