Latest news with #PublicServicesDepartment
The Star
7 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Union advocates for 42-hour work week for all healthcare workers
KOTA KINABALU: All healthcare workers, including those in complementary sectors and those on shift duties, should also be permitted a 42-hour work week, says the Sabah Medical Services Union (SMSU). SMSU President Ajulahin Japin praised the federal government for abandoning plans to enforce a 45-hour work week for more than 82,000 healthcare workers. He also suggested that this change should be applied to other healthcare industry workers. 'SMSU urges the government to extend this decision to include all other healthcare workers who also work on shift duty, such as pharmacy assistants, ambulance drivers, and other clinical support staff who are similarly affected by shift work demands and heavy workloads,' he said. On July 11, the Public Services Department (PSD) stated that the exemption would involve a total of 82,637 healthcare personnel, comprising nurses, community nurses, medical officers in emergency departments, assistant medical officers and healthcare assistants. This followed opposition after the announcement of the implementation of a 45-hour per week shift work schedule under the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), which was scheduled to take effect on March 1. An interim moratorium on the 45-hour work week for healthcare staff was extended by three months on March 8.
The Star
11-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Govt shelves 45-hour work week plans for over 82,000 healthcare workers
PETALING JAYA: The government has shelved plans for the 45-hour work week for over 82,000 healthcare workers, says the Public Services Department (PSD). It said the government acknowledged and took note of the concerns voiced by healthcare workers regarding the implementation of a 45-hour per week shift work schedule under the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA). "In line with the principles of Malaysia Madani, which emphasise compassion, welfare and the well-being of the people and public servants, the government has agreed to grant an exemption from the 45-hour shift work requirement for five critical service schemes under the Health Ministry. "Under this exemption, the working hours for the affected healthcare workers will be set at 42 hours per week," it said in a statement on Friday (July 11). The exemption will involve a total of 82,637 healthcare personnel, comprising nurses, community nurses, medical officers in emergency departments, assistant medical officers and healthcare assistants. The PSD said this move was after conducting a thorough assessment of operational needs and recognising the critical and demanding nature of duties carried out by healthcare personnel who are directly involved in life-saving situations at all hours. It added that the government views these responsibilities as requiring an exceptional level of physical, mental and emotional preparedness. This measure reaffirms the government's commitment to listening to the voices of frontline healthcare workers and taking proactive steps to safeguard their welfare, recognising their vital role as the backbone of the nation's healthcare system, it said. On March 8, the PSD extended the interim moratorium on the 45-hour work week for healthcare staff by three months. The 45-hour work week was supposed to come into effect on March 1. Although the PSD had agreed to extend the interim period, the ministry said healthcare facilities prepared to adopt the 45 working hours under the SSPA system could go ahead. Several nursing groups had opposed the 45-hour work week and called for working hours to be maintained at 42 hours.
Khaleej Times
02-07-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Ras Al Khaimah installs 1,200 new streetlight poles for enhanced public safety
The Ras Al Khaimah Government's Public Services Department has launched a significant expansion project for its streetlighting network, covering more than 40 kilometers of roads across the emirate. The initiative includes the installation of over 1,200 new streetlight poles in Al Dhait South, Seih Al Uraibi, and Hamraniya, significantly improving the lighting infrastructure in several growing residential areas. This large-scale expansion is part of the government's ongoing efforts to support urban development and enhance public safety, particularly in light of Ras Al Khaimah 's growing population and increasing number of vehicles. In Al Dhait South, a key residential and commuter hub, 844 streetlight poles are being installed along 27.5km of road. The addition is expected to significantly enhance nighttime visibility and safety for both residents and drivers navigating the area. In Seih Al Uraibi, the installation of 259 streetlight poles will cover 8.8 km of roads. This upgrade supports infrastructure growth in the neighborhood, ensuring the area remains well-lit and secure during night hours. The expansion project also includes Hamraniya, where 110 streetlight poles are being installed along 4 km of roads. While smaller in scope, the project plays a crucial role in modernizing the area's infrastructure and contributing to balanced regional development. This comprehensive streetlighting initiative reflects Ras Al Khaimah's broader strategy to enhance infrastructure and public services across the emirate. By investing in lighting networks, the government is not only improving safety but also creating a more livable and accessible environment for residents. The Public Services Department affirmed its commitment to continuing such projects in line with the emirate's vision for smart urban growth, sustainability, and improved quality of life for all.
The Star
25-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
More deputy public prosecutors needed to handle increasing caseload, says MACC chief
PUTRAJAYA: More deputy public prosecutors (DPP) are needed to manage the large volume of cases currently handled by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), says Tan Sri Azam Baki. The MACC chief commissioner stated that he has made a request to the Attorney-General's Chambers for additional DPPs. "I did inform the Attorney-General and asked if more DPPs can be given to us. Those currently attached already have their hands full. "We have about 40 DPPs at the moment, but our headcount, which was approved by the Public Services Department, is 45, so we have about five vacancies now. "If possible, we'd like to fill up the rest so we can reduce the overall workload on DPPs," he said during a press conference at the MACC headquarters on Wednesday (June 25). Azam also praised the commitment of MACC's current DPPs in carrying out their tasks. On a separate matter, Azam mentioned that he was informed that the DPP in the graft case involving Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman will file an appeal. This follows Syed Saddiq's acquittal in the RM1.2 mil graft case involving funds from Armada Bersatu by the Court of Appeal. "I am neither disappointed nor pleased with the outcome of any cases. There is nothing personal," he said.
The Star
30-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
MCA questions sudden change in matriculation entry qualifications
PETALING JAYA: The Education Ministry's sudden change in matriculation entry qualifications - where those who scored A- in their SPM examinations are not considered as attaining an A, and only A+ and A are accepted - is unfair, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. "The question is why make this ad-hoc change in government policy, which, if true, will disappoint many Malaysians,' said the MCA president in a Facebook video on Friday (May 30). "On April 30th the Education Ministry released a circular which was confirmed by Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh on Facebook that only students with 10A with score of A+ and A (without A-) in all subjects will be given the automatic offer to enrol into matriculation program for the session of 2025/2026," said Dr Wee. He stated that this represented a significant shift from the government's policy since 2024, in which students with 10A in SPM would be allocated a place in matriculation, as recently announced by the Prime Minister. "However, the matriculation division of the ministry said only 10A+ and A will be automatically given places, which is strange. "My question is, are these changes only for automatic entry to the matriculation? "Last year 5A+, 2A and 3A- is considered 10A. This year, 5A+, 2A and 3A- is considered 7A. "What is this?' asked Dr Wee. He said with these changes, the ministry has let down many students and the public, including outstanding Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Orang Asli students from Sabah and Sarawak. "Now A- is not considered an A anymore. Why move the goalpost? "In Education Ministry standards, A+ is defined as exceptional, A as par excellence and A- as excellent. So, is an excellent grade (A-) no longer excellent?' said Dr Wee. He said that regarding all As as excellent was common sense, and was something which is practised worldwide. He asked what the policy would be next year, specifically regarding the Public Services Department scholarship. "Avoid making arbitrary decisions and changing the goals when people rely on the promised policy," Dr Wee stated.
