The exemption applies to nurses, community nurses, medical officers in emergency departments, assistant medical officers, and medical attendants.

“The ministry welcomes the government’s decision to retain the current 42-hour workweek for five critical service schemes under the ministry,” Dzulkefly said in a statement today.

“This is a clear recognition of the dedication and spirit of healthcare workers who tirelessly assist patients fighting for their lives every day and at all hours.”

Yesterday, the public services department (JPA) announced that the exemption was made after taking into account concerns raised by healthcare workers regarding the implementation of the 45-hour workweek under the public service remuneration system (SSPA).

JPA said that after thoroughly reviewing the operational needs and the nature of critical tasks carried out by healthcare workers, the government recognised that such responsibilities demand extraordinary physical, mental and emotional preparedness.

The department had initially approved a three-month preparation period from Dec 1 last year for hospitals to get ready for the 45-hour workweek implementation.

The ministry requested and received approval for an extension from March 1 to May 31. The implementation was later extended to June 1 before being delayed once more to Aug 1.

The Malayan Nurses Union had strongly protested against the additional hours, stating that ward nurses were already under significant pressure working 42 hours a week.