‘Extraordinary' stress: Putrajaya lowers work week to 42 hours for emergency doctors, nurses, health assistants
The Public Services Department (JPA) said the government understands the concern of medical personnel about the implementation of the weekly 45-hour shift under the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA).
'After a detailed study of operational needs and critical duties performed by medical personnel directly involved in keeping patients alive around the clock, the government deems such duties as requiring extraordinary levels of physical, mental and emotional readiness.
'This step is also the Madani Government's commitment to continue listening and taking action with regards of the welfare of medical personnel who form the backbone of our country's healthcare system,' the department said in a statement today.
The exemption involves 82,637 healthcare personnel, social nurses, medical officers in the emergency department, assistant medical officers and healthcare assistants. — Bernama
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Malay Mail
Health Ministry, police ramp up crackdown on drug-laced vape sales, 96 cases under investigation, says deputy minister
KULAI, July 12 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) will step up cooperation with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to combat the rising sale of vape products containing illicit drugs. Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said 96 investigation papers involving drug-laced vape liquids were recorded between early last year and March, with over 70 per cent testing positive for synthetic cannabinoids and amphetamines. 'We are collaborating more closely with the police while stepping up laboratory inspections to test suspicious samples,' he said after officiating a joint event for World No Tobacco Day and World Tuberculosis Day at IOI Mall here today. The ministry also plans to tighten oversight at the manufacturing and production stages to detect illegal substances at the source, he added. Present at the event were Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon and Johor Health Department director Dr Mohtar Pungut @ Ahmad. Lukanisman said authorities are still identifying those responsible for producing drug-laced vape products. 'We haven't determined the source or manufacturers involved. Investigations are ongoing before any enforcement action is taken under existing laws, including those under police jurisdiction,' he said. In May, the ministry set up a special committee to monitor the issue, with Deputy Director-General of Health (Public Health) Dr Ismuni Bohari noting a review of existing laws is underway. This includes the newly gazetted Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852). — Bernama
Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Malay Mail
‘Try not to smoke. Issue resolved': Artist adds anti-smoking sign to Singapore's samsui woman cigarette mural after backlash
SINGAPORE, July 12 — A plaque carrying an anti-smoking message has been installed at the controversial samsui woman mural in Chinatown here, which sparked public debate last year over its depiction of smoking. CNA reported that Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said the building owner proposed the installation of an 'interpretive plaque' and that the mural itself will remain unaltered. 'The artist stresses that the cigarette depiction is not intended to glamorise or promote tobacco use. Smoking has been shown to be extremely harmful to one's health,' said the plaque, referring to artist Sean Dunston. Dunston told CNA the plaque's text was co-written by him and the building's landlord, with edits from the URA, to address concerns over normalising smoking while retaining the artwork. 'The overall intention was to create an iconic, vivid composite of a Samsui Woman in her prime and in a moment of peace,' the plaque added. According to CNA, Dunston said he initiated the inclusion of the anti-smoking message as part of the agreement allowing the mural to remain, and also suggested the plaque's placement and design. 'The anti-smoking message is there to reiterate something everyone already knows. Smoking is bad for you. Try not to smoke. Issue resolved,' he said, saying the plaque went up on Thursday. The mural depicted a 'Samsui' woman – referring to Chinese immigrants who came to Singapore and Malaysia in the early 20th century, primarily from the district now called Sanshui in China's Guangdong province. These women were known for their hard work in construction and other labour-intensive jobs, and were easily recognisable by their distinctive red headgear. The mural was produced by American multidisciplinary artist Sean Dunston, who has been based in Singapore since 2009. In July last year, Singapore MOH and URA said they have decided to retain the mural without any modifications, since it is not a tobacco advertisement. The building owner was however fined S$2,000 (RM6,640) for failing to obtain conservation permission before starting the mural, contravening Section 12 of the Planning Act 1998.
Sinar Daily
an hour ago
- Sinar Daily
The silent epidemic, why chronic kidney disease remains largely ignored in Malaysia
DESPITE being one of the most common non-communicable diseases in Malaysia, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) continues to fly under the radar. Often referred to as a 'silent killer,' CKD develops slowly and without obvious symptoms, only becoming apparent when it has reached an advanced stage, by which point lifelong dialysis or a kidney transplant may be necessary. The rise in CKD cases is concerning. In 2018, its prevalence in Malaysia jumped to 15.48 per cent up from 9.07 per cent in 2011. Today, more than 50,000 Malaysians are on dialysis, with projections from the Health Ministry estimating that this number could double to over 100,000 by 2040 if preventive measures and early detection efforts remain inadequate. Yet, despite these alarming figures, CKD continues to go largely unnoticed. In response, Sunway Medical Centre Damansara (SMCD) is taking a proactive role in closing this awareness gap, championing early detection and public education as critical tools in combating the nation's growing CKD burden. Understanding CKD and its silent progression One of the key reasons CKD often goes undiagnosed until it's too late is its subtle progression. In its early stages, the condition rarely causes discomfort or symptoms, leading many to assume they're healthy until serious damage has already occurred. Dr Chong Yip Boon - Photo: Sunway Medical Centre Damansara SMCD, Consultant Nephrologist and Physician, Dr Chong Yip Boon stated that Chronic Kidney Disease is particularly dangerous because it progresses silently, often going unnoticed. 'When left undetected, CKD can result in life-threatening complications such as cardiovascular disease, symptomatic anemia, metabolic bone diseases, fluid overload and ultimately, irreversible renal failure and death. 'Its insidious onset and silent progressive nature make early detection both challenging and critical. Lack of public awareness and regular health screenings further increase the difficulty in its early diagnosis,' he said. Why Malaysians are missing the warning signs One of the major challenges in tackling CKD in Malaysia is the lack of public awareness around kidney health and the importance of regular check-ups. Most people associate good health with feeling well, and because CKD shows few to no early symptoms, it's often overlooked. Even when signs do appear, such as fatigue, swollen limbs, or changes in urination, they're frequently dismissed or misattributed to other, less serious conditions. 'The issue isn't that kidney tests aren't available. In fact, they are included in most health screening packages. The problem is that people simply don't come in for check-ups until it's too late,' Dr Chong added. Despite being one of the most common non-communicable diseases in Malaysia, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) continues to fly under the radar. - Photo: Sunway Medical Centre Damansara He highlighted that early screening is crucial for high-risk individuals, such as those with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, obesity, or a family history of kidney issues. Older adults and frequent users of painkillers or self-medication are also more susceptible and should prioritise regular check-ups. 'Among these patients, common pitfalls include missing regular appointments, skipping blood or urine tests, self-treatment, and a lack of understanding about their condition,' he said. Some early signs, though subtle, are more noticeable than people realise, such as bubbly or foamy urine, which may indicate protein leakage, an early sign of kidney damage. A simple urine test can help determine whether this is benign or something more serious. Prevention begins with awareness and lifestyle Dr Chong also emphasised practical lifestyle habits to support kidney health, such as staying well-hydrated, eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly. He advised against excessive use of painkillers, self-medication, and unregulated supplements, while also urging individuals to limit alcohol, avoid smoking, and keep existing conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol under control through routine medical check-ups. Changing the narrative around kidney health Sunway Medical Centre Damansara is actively working to shift public perception of kidney health in Malaysia. SMCD urged the public to stay on top of medical appointments, go for regular screenings, and consult healthcare professionals about their risk of CKD, before it's too late. - Photo: Sunway Medical Centre Damansara Acknowledging that early detection is essential in managing CKD, the hospital is prioritising greater awareness, encouraging early screening among high-risk groups, and addressing the stigma and misconceptions that often surround kidney testing. 'Malaysians must begin to see kidney health as an essential part of general wellbeing, not something to think about only when symptoms appear. 'Routine screening, especially among at-risk individuals, can lead to early detection, delay disease progression, improve quality of life, and significantly reduce long-term healthcare costs,' Dr Chong said. Don't wait for symptoms, act early Ultimately, SMCD hopes to shift the national mindset from reactive care to preventive action. By helping Malaysians recognise the importance of kidney health as part of routine medical care, more lives can be improved, or even saved. The message is simple but urgent: early detection makes all the difference. SMCD urged the public to stay on top of medical appointments, go for regular screenings, and consult healthcare professionals about their risk of CKD, before it's too late.
