In a statement, MMA president Dr R Thirunavukarasu said the healthcare service required the daily physical presence of doctors, nurses, paramedics and allied health professionals.

He added that these workers have continued to report for duty, regardless of location, shift hours or personal cost.

Thirunavukarasu also said the public healthcare system was already underfunded, overworked and understaffed. Additional financial pressures on workers would affect their morale, focus and retention, he added.

“MMA therefore urges the government to adopt a targeted and pragmatic approach. We recommend restoring the 300-litre monthly quota for public healthcare workers who are required to be physically present for duty.

“We support fiscal responsibility and the need for subsidy rationalisation. However, policies must remain equitable and grounded in operational realities,” he added.

The Joint Council of Presidents and Secretaries-General of the Health Ministry Workers Union (Mapsu) made a similar call earlier, saying the reduced quota directly affected the finances of public healthcare employees.

Mapsu president Ajulahin Japin said many healthcare workers commute long distances daily, particularly in rural parts of Sabah and Sarawak.

Last month, Putrajaya reduced the BUDI95 monthly quota as an interim measure in view of the impact of the Middle East conflict on crude oil prices.

This took effect on April 1.