Nurses in Malaysia are up in arms over a government decision to increase their weekly working hours from 42 to 45. The new policy, which is set to be implemented soon, has sparked widespread concern among healthcare professionals, who argue that the additional hours will place an undue burden on an already overworked workforce.

The government's directive also includes plans to adjust shift timings for nurses. The current shift timings of 7 AM to 2 PM, 2 PM to 9 PM, and 9 PM to 7 AM may be revised to 7 AM to 3 PM, 3 PM to 10 PM, and 10 PM to 7 AM.

Senator RA Lingeshwaran, former director of Penang Sungai Bakap Hospital, has strongly criticized the government's decision. He argues that a 45-hour workweek is more suitable for general civil servants who work a standard 9-to-5, five-day week.

"Shift workers, especially in essential services like health and security, work 24 hours a day, seven days a week," he said. "The working hours and environment of these shift workers are vastly different from those of office workers or traditional 9-to-5 employees."

Lingeshwaran further asserted that comparing shift workers to office workers is illogical, as the physical and mental demands of night shifts are significantly different. "Emergencies often occur at night, keeping staff awake. There is limited time to recover during the day," he said.

Nurses have also pointed out that unlike their private sector counterparts, they do not receive any shift allowances.

Lingeshwaran noted that the actual working hours of office workers are closer to 39 hours per week when considering the one-hour lunch break and Friday prayers. He added that nurses and healthcare workers often have little time for breaks while caring for patients.

"Essential service workers cannot afford the same luxuries," he said, adding that nurses and uniformed staff often have to settle for quick meals while on duty. "They are already under immense stress due to limited time with their families. Increasing their working hours will further impact their quality of life."

Saaidah Athman, president of the Malaysian Nurses Association, echoed these sentiments, stating that comparing nurses who work shift work, including night shifts, to office workers who work regular day shifts is unfair.

Saaidah said that while the Public Service Department (PSD) has issued a circular on the matter, nurses are still awaiting further guidelines from the Ministry of Health regarding the additional working hours.

"Most nurses are women with families, and increasing their working hours will add to their stress," she said.

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