Daily HR News 27.2.2025
1. Keep 42-hour work week for nurses, union tells govt after new policy deferred
The Malayan Nurses Union (MNU) has urged the health ministry to retain the 42-hour work week for nurses, following the postponement of a policy that would have increased it to 45 hours. The union emphasizes that the current workload is already demanding and that extending working hours could adversely affect nurses' well-being and patient care.
Source: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/02/26/keep-42-hour-work-week-for-nurses-union-tells-govt-after-new-policy-deferred/
2. Buying time against longer hours
The Health Ministry is seeking a moratorium from the Public Services Department to delay the implementation of a 45-hour work week for healthcare workers, originally set for March 1, 2025. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad emphasized the need to consider staff welfare and workloads, noting many already work beyond the current 42-hour schedule.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/02/26/buying-time-against-longer-hours
3. 42-hour week is tough enough, say nurses
Malaysian government nurses oppose the proposed increase from a 42-hour to a 45-hour work week, citing concerns over increased workload, poor work-life balance, and potential impacts on mental health and patient care. The Health Ministry has requested a three-month postponement of this plan, originally set for March 1, pending a final decision by the Public Service Department.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/02/26/42-hour-week-is-tough-enough-say-nurses
4. Minimum wage not solely determined by poverty line
Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad clarified that Malaysia's minimum wage is not solely based on the Poverty Line Income (PLI) of RM2,589 per month, though PLI is a key indicator. The minimum wage, reviewed biennially, has increased by 5% to 6% annually, considering various economic indicators.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/02/26/minimum-wage-not-solely-determined-by-poverty-line
5. Over 10,000 Malaysians abroad apply to return for work, says HR Ministry
As of December 2024, Malaysia's Human Resources Ministry reported that over 10,000 Malaysians abroad applied to return for work. TalentCorp received 11,402 applications, approving 7,241, with 4,730 individuals having returned. The Malaysia@Heart initiative attracted 1,499 diasporas employed at 59 local companies. A World Bank study estimated 281,429 Malaysians working overseas, primarily in Australia and the United States.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/02/26/over-10000-malaysians-abroad-apply-to-return-for-work-says-hr-ministry