He said this was to enable his ministry to examine and better understand issues affecting healthcare workers’ and their welfare, before recommendations are presented to the Cabinet on July 1, Bernama reported.

“Several meetings have been held. As I said before, I will not decide without a thorough understanding of the nursing programme and related matters.

“What is important is to consider all factors so that whatever decision is made will be truly fair,” he was quoted as saying.

Previously, he was reported as saying the public service department (JPA) had approved a period of three months from Dec 1, 2024, to Feb 28, 2025 to prepare for the implementation of a 45-hour work week at the health ministry.

Subsequently, on Feb 25, the health ministry asked for and received approval from the JPA to extend the moratorium from March 1 to May 31. Today’s extension announcement takes the date to June 1.

On Nov 21 last year, Dzulkefly announced the change in shift work hours for nurses and said it was appropriate, subject to the Public Service Remuneration System that was implemented on Dec 1, 2024.

He said the 45-hour work week set through the system was an hour less than the 46 hours a week provided for under the General Orders.

Asked about the issue of nurses’ allowances that had been brought up by the Malayan Nurses Union (MNU), he said the matter was still under discussion at the ministry level.

“It will take some time because it is still at the discussion stage,” he said.

On March 9, MNU sought a government review of all nurses’ allowances, including the RM1,000 per month regional allowance for those serving outside their home state.