Latest news with #JPA
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
Malaysia nurses oppose 45-hour work week plan
KUALA LUMPUR — The Malayan Nurses Union (MNU) is up in arms over the government's decision to increase the weekly working hours of nurses in the public sector from 42 to 45, effective Aug 1. Its president Saaidah Athman said nurses have made many sacrifices in serving the well-being of the public, and they were unhappy with the additional workload being imposed on them. In a letter dated May 28 to the Health Ministry secretary-general, the Public Services Department (JPA) paused the implementation of the new working arrangement, which was originally scheduled to begin on June 1. The JPA also stated that this would be the final postponement and that the new working hours would be implemented soon. A previous postponement had already been granted, moving the start date from March 1 to May 31 at the Health Ministry's request. While the MNU welcomed the latest postponement, Ms Saaidah h opes the ministr y will maintain the current 42-hour work week instead of increasing it to 45 hours. She noted that nurses in countries such as Singapore and the Philippines work 40 hours a week , in line with recommendations by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). This, she said, is because regular work hours are already tiring enough for nurses, and additional hours would lead to exhaustion . 'Where is the justice and welfare for nurses, who are the pulse, heart, and backbone of the ministry? 'The current working structure in the healthcare system must be improved. 'In other countries, including Singapore, nurses only work in wards and handle recovery work. But in Malaysia, we perform many tasks — from escorting patients to x-rays and the operating theatre, to indenting, collecting data, participating in audits, and being involved in hospital activities,' she told The Star on May 29 . She added that nurses would be disappointed if the 45-hour work week was implemented. Ms Saaidah said nurses were at the frontline of medical care during the Covid-19 pandemic and served the nation, often at the cost of leaving their families due to the demands of the job . 'Imagine if the work hours were extended but there was no review on the burden of the job and the improvements,' she said. Nurses have previously opposed the new working hours, citing a lack of work-life balance and increased workload. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
3 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Nurses upset over work hour increase
KUALA LUMPR: The Malayan Nurses Union (MNU) is up in arms over the government's decision to increase the weekly working hours of nurses in the public sector from 42 hours to 45 from Aug 1. Its president Saaidah Athman said nurses have made many sacrifices in serving the well-being of the public and they were unhappy over the additional workload piled on them. CLICK TO ENLARGE In a letter dated May 28 to the Health Ministry secretary-general, the Public Services Department (JPA) paused the implementation of the new working arrangement scheduled to begin on June 1. JPA also said the postponement was the last one and the new working arrangement will be implemented soon. Another postponement was also previously granted from March 1 to May 31 upon the request from the Health Ministry. While MNU welcomed the latest postponement, Saaidah is hoping for the ministry to maintain the current 42-hour work week instead of the 45-hour. She said nurses in countries like Singapore and the Philippines work 40 hours a week as recommended by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). This was because regular work hours were tiring enough for nurses and that additional hours would cause exhaustion. 'Where is the justice and welfare for nurses who are the pulse, heart and backbone of the ministry. 'The current working structure in the health system must be improved. 'In other countries including Singapore, the nurses are only working in wards handling recovery work but in Malaysia, we do many tasks from taking the patients to x-rays, to the operation theatre, indenting, collecting data, being involved in audit as well as hospital activities,' she told The Star yesterday. She added that nurses would be disappointed if the 45-hour week was implemented. Saaidah said nurses were at the frontline of medical care during the Covid-19 pandemic and served the nation to the extent of leaving their families due to responsibilities of the job. 'Imagine if the work hours were extended but there was no review on the burden of the job and the improvements,' Saaidah said. Nurses have previously opposed the new working hours, citing the lack of work-life balance and added workload.
Free Malaysia Today
4 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
JPA gives final deadline for 45-hour work week for nurses
The Malayan Nurses Union had voiced strong protest against the additional hours, saying ward nurses were already under undue pressure working for 42 hours a week. PETALING JAYA : The public services department (JPA) has given the health ministry a two-month extension for the implementation of the 45-hour work week for ward nurses. In a letter to the ministry's secretary-general yesterday, JPA said the new date would be Aug 1. Adding that this would be the final extension, it urged hospitals to strictly follow its circular on the new working hours. 'The interim extension due to end on June 1 will now be extended to Aug 1. This is the final extension. All directives issued on the matter must be complied with,' it said. However, it said the extension did not mean that health facilities which had already drawn up plans for the new shift hours could not proceed. 'With this extension, we hope that the health ministry will take the necessary measures to ensure that the implementation of the new work hours is carried out accordingly.' JPA initially approved a period of three months from Dec 1 last year for hospitals to prepare for the implementation of a 45-hour work week. The health ministry subsequently requested and received approval for an extension of the moratorium from March 1 to May 31. This was later extended again to June 1. The Malayan Nurses Union had voiced strong protest against the additional hours, saying ward nurses were already under undue pressure working for 42 hours a week.
Daily Express
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Express
Public Services Department gives final deadline for 45-hour work week for nurses
Published on: Thursday, May 29, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 29, 2025 By: K Parkaran, FMT Text Size: The Malayan Nurses Union had voiced strong protest against the additional hours, saying ward nurses were already under undue pressure working for 42 hours a week. PETALING JAYA: The public services department (JPA) has given the health ministry a two-month extension for the implementation of the 45-hour work week for ward nurses. In a letter to the ministry's secretary-general yesterday, JPA said the new date would be Aug 1. Adding that this would be the final extension, it urged hospitals to strictly follow its circular on the new working hours. 'The interim extension due to end on June 1 will now be extended to Aug 1. This is the final extension. All directives issued on the matter must be complied with,' it said. However, it said the extension did not mean that health facilities which had already drawn up plans for the new shift hours could not proceed. 'With this extension, we hope that the health ministry will take the necessary measures to ensure that the implementation of the new work hours is carried out accordingly.' Advertisement JPA initially approved a period of three months from Dec 1 last year for hospitals to prepare for the implementation of a 45-hour work week. The health ministry subsequently requested and received approval for an extension of the moratorium from March 1 to May 31. This was later extended again to June 1. The Malayan Nurses Union had voiced strong protest against the additional hours, saying ward nurses were already under undue pressure working for 42 hours a week. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Ammon
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Ammon
Jordan's media reflects 79 years of Independence amidst digital dawn
Ammon News - As Jordan prepares to unfurl its flags for its 79th Independence Day, the nation also reflects on the evolution of its own voice – its media. From the nascent whispers of a state finding its footing to the diverse, digital chorus of today, Jordan's media landscape tells a parallel story of sovereignty, challenge, and aspiration. It is a narrative woven with ink, airwaves, and algorithms, mirroring the Kingdom's journey since 1946. From its genesis, the Jordanian state grasped the intrinsic link between sovereignty and communication. The establishment of "Al-Haqq Ya'lu" (Truth Prevails) newspaper in 1920, even before the formal Emirate, was a deliberate act – the first documented step in crafting a national discourse. Independence unleashed a new wave, birthing institutions that would become pillars of this discourse: the Jordan Press Association (1953), major dailies like Ad-Dustour (1967) and Al-Rai (1971), the unifying presence of Jordan Radio and Television (1968), and the authoritative voice of the Petra News Agency (1969). This foundational structure has dramatically expanded, particularly under His Majesty King Abdullah II's reign, which has championed media development. The Media Commission, Al-Mamlaka TV, and the Jordan Media Institute now complement a vibrant ecosystem encompassing dozens of satellite channels, radio stations, and nearly 150 online publications. Each, in its way, seeks to contribute to a national media that champions responsible freedom while navigating local and global currents. In the lead-up to the anniversary, a pressing conversation emerges among media leaders: the critical importance of refining and defending the "Jordanian Narrative." This involves not just reporting news, but articulating the nation's journey, its values, and its principled positions in a world saturated with competing voices and, often, deliberate disinformation. Sakher Dudin, former Minister of State for Media Affairs, contends that this anniversary demands a focused effort. "The media must champion the 'Jordanian Narrative' by showcasing our historical achievements and Hashemite leadership," he urged. He stresses the urgent need to "reinforce national values and build digital ramparts against the tide of misinformation targeting Jordan's stability," while acknowledging the financial pressures hindering media outlets. Tareq Momani, President of the Jordan Press Association (JPA), sees the media's evolution as intrinsically linked to independence itself. "Political will has fostered media's growth as a 'soft power'," he notes, highlighting the professionalisation of Jordanian journalists, many of whom now hold prominent positions across the Arab world. He affirms the JPA's commitment to bolstering these professionals through training, global partnerships, and embracing digital transformation. The challenge, however, is immense. The speed of social media and the rise of Artificial Intelligence present unprecedented hurdles. Bashir Momani, Director General of the Media Commission, emphasizes the need for a regulatory framework that fosters professionalism while bringing order to the digital "chaos." He points to the creation of a Digital Media Directorate as a key step in adapting regulations to meet these new realities. The educational front is equally critical. Dr. Tayseer Abu Arja, a media professor, argues that "technical skills are insufficient. Media graduates must possess deep cultural, historical, and political understanding to effectively represent the Jordanian perspective." This, he believes, is vital in an open global media environment. Dr. Sakher Khasawneh of the Jordan Media Institute sounds a further note of caution regarding AI and digital media. "We face concerns over privacy, source verification, and intellectual property," he warns, calling for robust ethical guidelines. He also highlights the significant "financial and technical barriers" preventing many local institutions from fully leveraging new technologies. As Jordan celebrates 79 years of self-determination, its media sector stands at a crossroads. It carries the weight of a proud legacy and the responsibility of shaping a future narrative. The task is to harness the power of modern tools while upholding the principles of truth, integrity, and national service – ensuring the Jordanian voice rings clear and true in its second century and beyond. Petra
