Starting salaries as low as RM1,800, excessive workload, uncertain working hours and uncompetitive incentives are among the main reasons why many nurses are leaving the public sector, according to the President of the Malayan Nurses Union (MNU), Saaidah Athman.
She explained that new nurses are no longer eligible for the pension scheme, while specialist nurses are only given a postgraduate allowance of RM100 per month — an amount that is certainly not commensurate with the qualifications and responsibilities they have to shoulder.
This situation has prompted many young nurses to choose the private sector or migrate abroad which offers higher salaries and more flexible and competitive working hours.
According to a report by The Star, Saaidah also questioned the implementation of the 45-hour work week, which she described as not only unhelpful but also adding to the burden and pressure on existing nurses.
Senator Dr RA Lingeshwaran described the Public Service Department (PSD) decision to maintain the 45-hour work system as insensitive and high-risk, especially in a health system that is increasingly strained.
He stressed that if the PSD continues to insist, then the department will have to be held accountable if the public health system fails.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad recently expressed concern over the critical shortage of nurses, despite increased recruitment.
Data shows that 2,141 nurses left the public sector between 2020 and 2024. If no drastic measures are taken, the country is expected to face a shortage of almost 60% of nurses by 2030.
When the situation is critical, nurses and are asked to sacrifice 45 hours in hospitals instead of at home. But when it comes to appreciation, the sacrifice is not counted, but rather considered worthy of being borne because this is the path they chose.
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