KUCHING: Seven specific units and departments in selected hospitals have been identified to implement the pilot projet for the ‘Waktu Bekerja Berlainan’ (WBB) system.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said the system will only be implemented upon receiving positive feedback from the medical officers involved in the pilot project.
“At the moment, the units have been identified. If this pilot project receives positive feedback, it can be implemented, but we also consider factors such as the adequacy of healthcare personnel.”
He said the ministry will evaluate every opinion and information from all relevant parties within the ministry regarding the implementation in the country.
“This is to ensure the system is implemented effectively to improve work-life balance and reduce excessive working hours.
“At the initial stage, we are currently in the first phase or trial phase, involving a pilot project after obtaining feedback and engagement from experts.
“We are examining this method, and it has not yet been fully implemented in government facilities. For now, we propose its implementation in seven specific units and departments in certain hospitals.”
Lukanisman said this when met by reporters after officiating the opening ceremony of the Premier Integrated Labs at Wisma Soon Lien Hong here on Thursday (Jan 23).
Recently, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said WBB is a proposed work schedule adjustment designed by MOH staff based on engagement sessions held since Jan 22, 2024, in several departments at selected healthcare facilities, involving targeted medical officers and specialists.
The system, he said, aims to function as a third system alongside the existing on-call and shift systems for medical officers and specialists.
“WBB aims to reduce fatigue, improve the quality of life and welfare of medical officers, and enhance the quality of service delivery to the public.
“Its implementation targets reducing the duration of active on-call hours from a maximum of 33 hours to 18 hours per work session for involved staff.
“Additionally, it ensures that no medical officer works continuously for more than 24 hours and reduces the total working hours, which currently reach up to 99 hours a week, including three on-call sessions weekly, to a maximum of 72 hours per week.”
Furthermore, last Tuesday, he said that the implementation of the system for medical officers this February depends on the decision of the Malaysian Academic Association Congress (MAAC).
“This is because the phased implementation of the flexible working hours system remains an internal matter that needs to be addressed by MAAC and related departments.
“However, full implementation of the WBB system requires official approval from him as minister, as well as from the Public Service Department (JPA).”
