Govt shelves Health Ministry's shift system pending detailed study

Summary

• The cabinet cancels the Flexible Working Hours (WBB) pilot project to allow for a more comprehensive study on the matter.

• Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad says a special committee will be established to assess healthcare service delivery and staff scheduling.

The cabinet has decided to cancel the pilot project on Flexible Working Hours (Waktu Bekerja Berlainan or WBB) for healthcare workers following a meeting today.

The decision paves the way for a more in-depth and comprehensive study of the proposal, said Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad.

He said his ministry will establish a special committee to conduct this review, which is to be chaired by former Health Ministry director-general Abu Bakar Suleiman.

“The committee will focus on empowering the delivery of healthcare services and addressing staff scheduling effectively.

“We remain committed to creating a safe and fair working environment for all, particularly healthcare workers,” said Dzulkefly.

The Health Ministry’s WBB shift system was initially scheduled to run in seven hospitals from Feb 1. However, the plan raised significant concerns among healthcare workers.

While aimed at reducing working hours and improving conditions, some quarters such as the Malaysia Medical Association argued that its implementation risks further burdening an already overstretched public healthcare system.

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