Contract staff: No timeline on proposed non-pensionable permanent scheme, says Deputy Health Minister


BAU (Sarawak): The Health Ministry has not set a timeline to finalise the proposal to absorb contract medical staff into permanent service via the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contribution scheme.

Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni said the initiative would require amendments to be made to the Pensions Act 1990 and discussions were still being held with the Public Service Department (JPA).

"We are studying (the need to amend the Act) and discussions (with JPA) are ongoing as it involves not just schemes under medical officers,” he said after attending the PeKa B40 health care programme here today (March 31).

He said the ministry was examining the proposal in a comprehensive manner as it also involved medical staff in the pharmacy and dental sectors, in addition to solving the shortage of medical personnel such as nurses and physiotherapists.

Yesterday (March 30), Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa told the Dewan Rakyat that efforts to absorb contract medical personnel into permanent service without pension benefits were being made to tackle the problem of work overload and ease the burden of the pension scheme which cost the country RM29.1bil in 2021.

However, she said permanent staff on the EPF scheme would still be entitled to other benefits enjoyed by pensionable personnel, such as housing loans through the Public Sector Home Financing Board. – Bernama

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Nation

Leave door open for advice, says Hadi
UTeM achieves 97% graduate employability in 2025, says vice-chancellor
Malaysia is considering including nuclear energy in 13MP
Investigation paper on policemen detained for dead woman’s missing jewellery referred to AG’s chambers
TikTok Shop supports local MSMEs and the digital economy
Single mum Loh opposes Perlis govt’s review bid in unilateral conversion case
Saifuddin to 'silence critics' of House Arrest Bill in Parliament on Nov 7
Beware of fake Siti Kasim Instagram ad impersonating The Star
Langkawi MP proposes to turn GISB hotel into deviant teachings museum
Body of missing fisherman found in Kota Tinggi

Others Also Read