KUCHING: The critical service allowance is necessary in order to compete for medical manpower in the public sector, said Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Talib Zulpilip.
He said that currently, the private sector was attracting many nurses and doctors.
He was referring to a recent circular by the Public Service Department (JPA) which said that the critical service allowance would no longer be provided to doctors, nurses, engineers, and other professionals joining the civil service starting January 1 next year.
Talib said removal of the critical service allowance is not justifiable given the working conditions faced by doctors.
“We have to look at their working hours; many have to work at night. Doctors also generally work longer hours,” Talib noted.
He believed that the removal of the allowance would inevitably affect the quality of service.
He emphasised that the special skills of medical professionals had to be recognised.
“To see the need to appreciate these personnel, simply go to government hospitals to see the long queues. This indicates the shortage of medical personnel to deal with those going to government hospitals,” he said.
Talib hoped that the government would re-examine the rationale behind removing the allowance.
