THE Ministry of Health (MOH) has directed all government hospitals to fully comply with a newly issued circular on flexible working hours for junior doctors, amid efforts to eliminate confusion over its implementation and standardise working conditions nationwide.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said compliance with the guideline would be closely monitored under the authority of Health Director-General Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab, who serves as the head of medical services.
“We will ensure hospital compliance in this matter. That circular is being monitored directly and is under the responsibility of the Director-General of Health.
“So, we will continue to ensure that all hospitals comply with the newly issued circular,” he said at a press conference after officiating the World No Tobacco Day 2026 launch at Cyberjaya University on Sunday.
Dzulkefly was responding to clarifications provided by Dr Mahathar following recent public confusion over interpretations of the flexible working hours guidelines for house officers.
The ministry had previously reiterated that all government hospitals must fully implement the provisions governing working arrangements for graduate medical officers, including adherence to limits on working hours and leave entitlements.
Under the framework, average working hours for junior doctors are capped at between 60 and 62 hours per week, alongside the provision of rest days and statutory leave in line with civil service regulations.
Dr Mahathar had earlier explained that the clarification was issued following misinterpretations of the General Principles Guideline on the Standardisation of Flexible Working Hours System circulated on 30 January 2019, particularly regarding leave entitlements for house officers.
When asked about specific cases related to the issue, Dzulkefly said he had yet to receive detailed information but expected further updates shortly.
“Regarding specific cases, I am not yet able to provide details at this stage, and of course in the near future the Director-General of Health will communicate with me.
“I will continue to monitor this matter,” he said.
Dzulkefly also emphasised that the primary objective of training for house officers is to strengthen clinical competence rather than treat them merely as additional manpower.
“We want to train our house officers so that they are not simply an extra pair of hands, as described by the Director-General of Health.
“Many of them actually feel very satisfied when they are given opportunities to perform procedures and gain learning experiences,” he said. - May 10, 2026
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