THE Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) lauds the health minister for pledging to find a comprehensive solution to the issues of healthcare contract workers.
Although these workers are employed on contract under the Health Ministry, it is hoped that the Human Resources Ministry will use its powers to correct the policies that have led to these issues – many of which are human resources issues affecting the welfare of these workers.
It is shocking to learn that a hospital cleaner, who is also a single mother, has been earning a monthly salary of RM1,200 for 15 years. Many of her colleagues have been similarly struggling to make ends meet with the low wages for many years.
According to a media report on the issue, some workers were made to work in four locations in a single day, while the annual leave given to the workers did not commensurate with their years of service.
The HR Ministry should intervene to ensure the welfare of these contract workers is taken care of and that they are protected against any form of exploitation.
It should also be ensured that the contract system is not being abused. Hiring policies, whether for permanent positions or by contract through a company, must be fair and transparent.
Earning a monthly salary of RM1,200 for 15 years is totally unacceptable. How can a person be motivated to progress or grow in any organisation if there is no increase in their wages for that long? The HR minister must step in and act on addressing this.
From what is being described, cleaners are being treated unfairly. It is time we show more respect to the people that keep our healthcare facilities clean. Cleaners are also frontliners and play a key role in the prevention and control of infectious diseases.
Healthcare facilities can become hotbeds of infections due to their high exposure to the sick on a daily basis. Therefore, frequent cleaning and disinfecting of the premises is required. Any contamination can affect outcomes in the delivery of care.
Cleaners are part of the healthcare ecosystem and should be recognised for their important role. The duties of cleaners are labour intensive. They should not be made to take on two or three jobs to make ends meet. – The Vibes, February 10, 2022
Dr Koh Kar Chai is MMA president
