Kuala Lumpur, 24 November 2024 — TThe Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy stands firmly in support of the Malayan Nurses Union’s (MNU) concern of the 45-hour workweek for nurses. This critical workforce, which is already overburdened by shortages and demanding shift schedules, must not be subjected to additional demands without adequate support and consideration of their unique challenges.  

Malaysia’s health care system is facing an urgent workforce crisis. In 2023, there were 6,896 vacancies for nurses which remained largely unfilled. There is also an ongoing trend of mass resignations of these vital healthcare workers from the public health service. This alarming reality underlines the pressing need to not only retain but also support and expand the nursing workforce.

“The recent directive by the Public Service Department (PSD) to streamline working hours to 45 hours a week, while aimed at uniformity and seems to adopt a one-size-fits-all approach, fails to address the nuanced realities of shift-based nursing roles and the physical, mental, and emotional toll they endure,” said Azrul Mohd Khalib, Chief Executive Officer of the Galen Centre.

“The proposed schedules, which may result in longer hours and insufficient rest for nurses, risk exacerbating workforce fatigue, diminishing work-life balance, and compromising the quality of patient care.”

“Nurses who commute long distances or balance caregiving roles at home, especially mothers, would face additional pressures, further intensifying existing challenges. It may push nurses to leave and resign from the public health service altogether,” he pointed out.

“The Malayan Nurses Union has proposed pragmatic adjustments to mitigate these challenges, such as counting the additional hours as break time and adjusting shift hours. These solutions deserve urgent consideration and implementation to prevent the erosion of nurse well-being and the sustainability of Malaysia’s health care services.”

As highlighted in its ongoing efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s health care workforce, the Galen Centre emphasizes the following priorities:

• Investing in Workforce Well-being: Policies must focus on creating a supportive and sustainable work environment that includes fair compensation, adequate rest periods, and mental health support.
• Tailored Solutions for Shift Workers: Nursing roles demand a specialized approach distinct from office-based civil servants. Flexibility in work hours and realistic allowances are critical to addressing their unique challenges.
• Strategic Workforce Planning: Resolving the nursing shortage requires long-term solutions, including recruitment drives, retention strategies, and opportunities for professional development.

“We urge the Public Service Department  and Ministry of Health and relevant authorities to heed the concerns raised by the Malayan Nurses Union and health care professionals across the country. Ensuring the welfare of nurses is not merely a workforce issue—it is a cornerstone of delivering safe, high-quality, and consistent care to patients nationwide.”