The circular on the ban, dated Aug 9, went viral on social media yesterday.

In a statement, hospital director Dr Kuldip Kaur Prem Singh thanked those who gave their feedback on the matter.

“The management of HSgB remains committed and concerned with the needs, welfare, and wellbeing of the staff and the patients in the hospital,” she said.

The retraction came a day after Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii questioned the circular that he described as illogical and unfair.

The DAP MP also said on his Twitter account yesterday that he was informed the directive had been issued to “protect the cafeteria”.

He said “helping” the cafeteria should not be at the expense of healthcare workers, especially those who were on-call after the cafeteria closes at 6pm.

According to the circular shared on the MP’s Twitter account, heads of departments at the hospital had agreed to enforce the ban following reports that leftover food and garbage had attracted pests which affected hygiene in the wards.

The circular was also criticised by the Hartal Doktor Kontrak group who said in a tweet that those who made the decision had forgotten what it was like to be on-call and feel hungry.