Latest news with #PublicServiceDepartment
The Sun
a day ago
- Health
- The Sun
‘Extended hours sidestep real crisis facing nurses'
PETALING JAYA: While the Public Service Department (PSD) decision to delay the 45-hour work week offers nurses a temporary reprieve, many on the frontlines warn that it skirts the real crisis, namely chronic understaffing, burnout and the long-term viability of the profession. In a letter dated May 28, PSD approved the Health Ministry request to defer implementation of the extended hours until Aug 1. The current 42-hour schedule will remain in place until July 31. For many nurses, the move does little to ease the mounting pressure in wards and clinics across the country. An ICU nurse in the private sector, who gave his name only as Ng, said the focus on working hours misses the point entirely. 'Even 42 hours feels like too much when you're constantly on your feet, managing critical cases. This isn't a desk job. We don't have the luxury of zoning out. We're dealing with lives,' he told theSun. He said the public healthcare system is still reeling from the after-effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, and staffing remains dangerously thin. 'Understaffing is the root of the problem. I know government nurses earning RM4,000 after 10 years on the job. Eight of my friends have already left for better opportunities overseas.' Ng added that management often focuses on performance targets while ignoring the actual workload nurses face on the ground. 'I've worked 14-hour shifts looking after 16 critically ill patients. What looks manageable on paper rarely reflects the chaos in real life. Nurses and patients aren't statistics.' Kanchana Murthy, 25, echoed the sentiment after more than three years in the field. 'Extending hours is not a solution. Most of us are already running on empty. Yes, we need more manpower but stretching the ones already in place won't fix anything.' She said work tolerance varies by individual and longer shifts should never be mandatory. 'You can't force exhausted people to give their best. It's unsafe for patients and it's unfair to nurses.' A 19-year-old nursing student who has completed placements at a private hospital in the capital city said the workload is overwhelming even for trainees. 'As a student, I'm already burnt out. I work alongside full-time nurses and the pace is relentless. I genuinely worry about how the staff cope,' said the student, who only wanted to be known as Tash. He shared his experience at a government hospital, where overcrowding and staff shortages are common. 'Sometimes, there aren't enough beds. One nurse might be caring for 10 patients. Some wards hold up to 60. It's exhausting and unsafe.' Tash said while the government's intention to address shortages is understandable, the approach risks causing more harm than good. 'Longer hours might help with task completion in the short term, but they lead to fatigue and that leads to mistakes. In healthcare, mistakes cost lives.' He pointed out that countries such as Singapore and the Philippines follow the International Labour Organisation recommendation of a 40-hour work week, which offers nurses better balance and stronger mental health support. 'A 40-hour week helps prevent burnout, keeps staff in the profession longer and makes nursing more appealing to new recruits. What's the point of getting more done in a day if we lose people in the long run?' His message was clear: 'Stop treating nurses like machines. We're overworked, underpaid and undervalued. 'At the end of the day, we're human and we deserve to be treated that way.'
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Why is A- no longer an A?
Call for consistency: Dr Wee says the ministry should avoid making arbitrary decisions and changing the goalpost. KUALA LUMPUR: Many students with straight As in their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) are questioning the fairness of the Education Ministry's matriculation entry requirements. Some 190 of these students have turned to MCA for assistance after the ministry's sudden change in the entry qualifications – where those who scored A- in SPM are not considered to have attained an A, and only A+ and A are accepted, said MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. He questioned the 'ad-hoc change' in government policy. In a Facebook video yesterday, Dr Wee noted that the Education Ministry had released a circular on April 30, which was confirmed by Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh on Facebook, that only students with 10As comprising A+ and A in all subjects will be given an automatic offer to enrol into the matriculation programme for the 2025/2026 session. Dr Wee pointed out that this was a significant shift from the government's policy last year when students with 10As in SPM were allocated a place in matriculation, as announced by the Prime Minister. In June last year, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said all SPM students, regardless of background, who scored 10As and above, will get a place in the matriculation programme. Yesterday, Dr Wee said it was odd that now, the matriculation division of the ministry said only 10A+ and A will be automatically given places. 'Last year 5A+, 2A and 3A- is considered 10A. This year, 5A+, 2A and 3A- is considered 7A. What is this?' he asked. With these changes, he said, the ministry has let down many, including outstanding Malay, Chinese, Indian and Orang Asli students from Sabah and Sarawak. 'Now A- is not considered an A anymore. Why move the goalpost? 'Under the Education Ministry standards, A+ is defined as exceptional, A as par excellence and A- as excellent. So, is an excellent grade (A-) no longer excellent?' he asked. Dr Wee said it was common sense to regard all As as excellent, adding that this was something which is practised worldwide. He asked about next year's policy, specifically regarding the Public Service Department's scholarships. 'Avoid making arbitrary decisions and changing the goalpost when people rely on a policy that was promised,' he said. Dr Wee also pointed out that there were no countries that discriminated A- from A+ or A, with varying conditions imposed on the three grades. 'This is common sense and long adopted and accepted globally,' he said. He further said that the Education Minister and her deputy needed to explain where A- sat in the categories now. 'If A- is not in the Grade A category, what then? B? C?' Dr Wee questioned. Earlier yesterday, the party's think tank Insap released a position paper on the matter, saying that the ministry's step undermined Anwar's promise last year that students who score 10As and above in their SPM would be guaranteed entry into the matriculation programme, regardless of racial background. 'This controversy is not a mere technicality. It adversely affects the future of students and their families, erodes trust in the public education system and raises serious questions about policy integrity and administrative transparency,' the paper said. MCA is launching an online complaint channel for affected students and their families. 'Legal aid will be provided to explore judicial review of the retroactive policy change. Town hall sessions and dialogue platforms will be held nationwide,' it added.
Daily Tribune
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Backs GCC-Malaysia and GCC-ASEAN Free Trade Agreements in Kuala Lumpur
HRH Prince Salman and Malaysian Prime Minister Witness Signing of Major Agreements His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, met with Yang Amat Berhormat Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, during his official visit to Malaysia. At the outset of the meeting, HRH Prince Salman conveyed the greetings of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to the Malaysian Prime Minister, who reciprocated with warm regards for His Majesty the King. Strategic Cooperation Across Key Sectors HRH Prince Salman emphasised Bahrain's commitment to deepening its partnership with Malaysia and advancing collaboration across a wide range of sectors. He highlighted the strong ties between both nations and the mutual aspirations that drive bilateral cooperation. The leaders discussed regional and international developments, reaffirming the importance of enhancing strategic dialogue and fostering joint efforts that serve the interests of both countries. Signing of Landmark Agreements The meeting culminated in the signing and exchange of several key agreements and memoranda of understanding, aimed at boosting political, economic, academic, and industrial cooperation: Political Consultation Mechanism An MoU between Bahrain and Malaysia establishing a formal framework for political consultations, signed by Foreign Ministers Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani and Dato' Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan. Civil Service HR Cooperation An MoU on human resource development in civil services, signed by Bahrain's Foreign Minister and the Director-General of Malaysia's Public Service Department. Chamber of Commerce Collaboration A partnership between the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI), aimed at strengthening trade relations. Academic Exchange and Research A collaborative agreement between the University of Bahrain and Universiti Sains Malaysia to promote academic cooperation, including exchange programs and joint initiatives. Data Sovereignty Agreement An announcement granting Malaysia sovereignty over subscriber data held by Malaysian companies in Bahraini cloud computing centers. Sea-to-Air Logistics Partner Status Bahrain granted sea-to-air partner services status to Malaysia, enhancing logistics and trade flows between the two nations. Industrial Park Development An MoU on the joint development and promotion of industrial parks, signed by Bahrain's Minister of Finance and National Economy and Malaysia's Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry. Support for GCC-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement HRH Prince Salman reaffirmed Bahrain's full support for a Free Trade Agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Malaysia, as well as a broader GCC-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, noting its potential to boost trade, attract investments, and promote sustainable development. Focus on Regional Summits HRH also highlighted the importance of the upcoming Second ASEAN-GCC Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, both hosted by Malaysia. He extended his best wishes for their success, describing them as pivotal platforms for enhancing regional cooperation and fostering strategic partnerships between the Gulf and Southeast Asia.
Barnama
7 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Malaysia, Bahrain Reaffirm Ties With Exchange Of Seven MoUs
KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Bahrain today reaffirmed their longstanding friendship and commitment to enhancing cooperation through the exchange of seven memoranda of understanding (MoUs). The ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman Hamad Al Khalifa after their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, which concluded here today. The meeting provided an opportunity to assess the progress of bilateral relations between Malaysia and Bahrain following Anwar's visit to Manama last February. The key areas of cooperation include investment and trade, Islamic finance and banking, defence, halal industry, semiconductors, agriculture and agri-commodities as well as connectivity, particularly in the tourism sector. Also present were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz. Among the MoUs exchanged was the Notes on the Establishment of a Political Consultation Mechanism, which institutionalises regular dialogue between the two countries' foreign ministries. In the realm of transport and digital innovation, Malaysia received two symbolic certificates -- the Global Logistics Sea to Air Partner Certificate and the Data Sovereignty Initiative Certificate presented to Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo. The certificates underscore Bahrain's recognition of Malaysia's growing leadership in logistics and digital governance. Malaysia and Bahrain also exchanged documents on Cooperation in Planning, Development and Promotion of Industrial Parks, exchanged between by Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry and Bahrain's Finance and National Economy Ministry.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia, Bahrain reaffirm ties with exchange of seven MoUs
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Bahrain today reaffirmed their longstanding friendship and commitment to enhancing cooperation through the exchange of seven memoranda of understanding (MoUs). The ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman Hamad Al Khalifa after their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, which concluded here today. The meeting provided an opportunity to assess the progress of bilateral relations between Malaysia and Bahrain following Anwar's visit to Manama last February. The key areas of cooperation include investment and trade, Islamic finance and banking, defence, halal industry, semiconductors, agriculture and agri-commodities as well as connectivity, particularly in the tourism sector. Also present were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz. Among the MoUs exchanged was the Notes on the Establishment of a Political Consultation Mechanism, which institutionalises regular dialogue between the two countries' foreign ministries. In the realm of transport and digital innovation, Malaysia received two symbolic certificates -- the Global Logistics Sea to Air Partner Certificate and the Data Sovereignty Initiative Certificate presented to Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo. The certificates underscore Bahrain's recognition of Malaysia's growing leadership in logistics and digital governance. Malaysia and Bahrain also exchanged documents on Cooperation in Planning, Development and Promotion of Industrial Parks, exchanged between by Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry and Bahrain's Finance and National Economy Ministry. The bilateral engagement further expanded into public administration through Cooperation in Human Resource Management in the Public Sector, formalised between Malaysia's Public Service Department and Bahrain's Foreign Ministry, with a focus on knowledge-sharing and capacity-building in governance. Other MoUs include one in higher education between Universiti Sains Malaysia and the University of Bahrain, and another between the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), aimed at strengthening trade and investment linkages between the two countries.
