PETALING JAYA: Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad clarified that the proposal for the new shift system, 'Waktu Bekerja Berlainan' (WBB), to be piloted in seven hospitals, is still just a proposal.
"I have not approved WBB and it remains a recommendation that is being fine-tuned.
"I am not aware how it was leaked as we need to go through stringent engagement with stakeholders," Dzulkefly told newsmen at an event in Putrajaya on Thursday (Jan 16).
WBB aims to limit doctors and dentists in the public health service to 18 consecutive work hours, down from the current 24 to 33 hours straight from on-call duties.
Both the Malaysian Medical Association and Hartal Doktor Contract have expressed concerns over WBB, stating that the proposal could further strain the already overburdened public healthcare system.