Its president, Adnan Mat, said he had received feedback from the officers involved stating that they were carrying out their duties as contract staff with some of them being offered the positions during the movement control order (MCO).

He said among those offered the positions by MoH on a contract basis were medical officers, assistant medical officers and nurses.

“The government has approved 10,560 new permanent posts and there is no reason for the MoH to continue contract appointment of frontliners. This is very unfair to them because permanent posts have been created.”

He also urged that the contract staff be offered permanent posts to motivate them to excel further in their services in the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic.

He spoke to reporters after presenting certificates of appreciation to frontliners here today. Representatives of 12 agencies, which had been working throughout the MCO in Penang, received the certificates from Cuepacs.

Similar events will be held throughout Malaysia to appreciate the services of frontliners in their respective states.

In the meantime, he also requested that the federal government provide a bonus to civil servants, not a special financial assistance as currently done.

He said there should be no reason for the government not to consider the request as it had been clearly demonstrated that the civil servants had given excellent service even with the change of government as well as during disasters and pandemics.

“This bonus will be used as a necessity as it coincides with children’s schooling season. Previously, we requested for a three-month bonus but only received RM500,” he said.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR LIVE UPDATE OF THE COVID-19 SITUATION IN MALAYSIA