James receiving souvenir from Dr Deena Thomas, Persatuan Jururawat Malaysia, Sabah branch chairperson, looking on is Dr Aisyahton Suhaimi, Malaysia Nurses Association president.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Minister of Community Development and People’s Well-being, Datuk James Ratib urged the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) to keep nurses on duty in Sabah and not transfer them to Peninsular Malaysia or Sarawak.
James who is also the Sabah State Health Exco stressed that Sabah itself needs more nurses to be placed in hospitals and clinics in the state.
Speaking at a dinner in conjunction with the 74th Malaysian Nurses Association General Meeting held at SICC here on Friday night, James said,”
“In Sabah, various issues and problems are faced by nurses not only in rural areas, but also in urban areas.”
“Among them is that there are nurses from the state of Sabah transferred to the Peninsula and Sarawak.
“Therefore, as Sabah State Health Exco, I request the Ministry of Health to keep the nurses on duty in Sabah and not transfer them to the Peninsula or Sarawak.”
James added statistics released by the Sabah State Health Department (JKNS) show that the current number of nurses in the state is 11,245 people (Staff level); 10,286 people (Filling) and 959 unfilled vacancies.
“Referring to the statistics, there is no need for nurses in this state to be transferred to Peninsula or Sarawak.
“In fact, we are here requesting the KPPA that the 959 vacancies be filled by any Trained Nurse who is still unemployed in the state of Sabah.
“This includes employees under MySTEP to be considered for absorption into permanent positions at the Ministry of Health,” he said.
In similar development, James said there are still staff, especially nurses, who do not have perfect accommodation or quarters.
“In my series of visits to Hospitals and Health Clinics and Rural Clinics throughout the state of Sabah, I found this situation happening and I am very sympathetic to their situation, while they are part of the frontline workers.
“I request the Ministry of Health to look at this matter appropriately as a basic need that should be enjoyed by nurses who are on duty especially in rural or rural areas,” he said.
James added that he also understood that Community Nurses (Midwives) who continued their courses at ILKKM had to deal with salary issues when they were appointed as new Nurses.
“We found that their salary is much lower than the salary while being a Community Nurse.
“Regarding that, I want the Ministry of Health to consider making a salary adjustment for them, because it is understood that they also have responsibilities or monthly commitments such as car and house loans,” he said.
James also insisted that the staffing grades in Sabah should not be brought to the Peninsula or to other states, and requested that the positions or skills that are in Sabah be retained in this state.
“For example, like grades 52, 54, 48, 44, I ask that they not be drawn to the Peninsula, keep them in Sabah. If there is an officer who moves to the peninsula, just move.
“Look for grades in the Peninsula, sometimes the grades of staff who are already valid are brought to the Peninsula, causing our grades in Sabah to decrease,” he lamented.
James who is also the Sugut Assemblyman also took the opportunity to congratulate the Malaysian Nurses Association and the Malaysian Nurses Association Sabah State Branch, for successfully holding the ceremony.
“Indeed, this ceremony, among other things, is to celebrate not only the professional achievements of nurses but also the unwavering dedication that defines the nursing profession in Malaysia.
“I was informed that this year is the largest gathering for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Malaysian Nurses Association, with 1,300 participants from all over Malaysia and it is also the first time it is held in Sabah, which is organized together with the Malaysian Nurses Association Sabah Branch.
“Congratulations and thanks also to the Malaysian Nurses Association for fully sponsoring our dinner tonight,” he said.
Meanwhile, James said, nursing is a profession that dominates the health sector so that nurses are regarded as the “backbone” of the country’s health system, even the skills and expertise gained through training and experience make a nurse indispensable.
“Your commitment as a nurse in providing quality care, often in challenging circumstances, is truly commendable.
“This year, the theme of World Nurses Day is: “Our Nurse Our Future: The Economic Power of Care”. This theme is very much in line with what nurses do every day.
“Through your tireless efforts, the health care system continues to thrive in ensuring the well-being of the people. Therefore tonight, we recognize the great contribution made by nurses to our society in this country, especially in the state of Sabah,” he said.
He added that when the country is facing the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses are at the forefront, showing resilience, courage, and an unwavering commitment to carry out their duties by providing the best service regardless of the tiredness of working day and night regardless of the time.
“It is not easy to shoulder the duties and responsibilities as a nurse. A nurse’s contribution is as important as a doctor’s job.
“On behalf of the government and the people, I express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to all the nurses,” he said.
He also congratulated the Malaysian Nurses Association for playing an important role in supporting the nursing community, providing a platform for professional development, advocacy and networking.
“The association’s dedication to advancing the nursing profession through continuous education and training ensures that Malaysian nurses are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to meet our nation’s growing healthcare needs.
“In that direction, I encourage nurses from various backgrounds such as nurses from the public and private sector, ILKKM tutors, nursing lecturers from public and private universities in the state of Sabah, to unite in an association that can provide a platform for Malaysian nurses such as the Malaysian Nurses Association, which exists now.
“Certainly, through the association, your voice will be stronger in any demand that is aimed at the interests of the rights and future of all of you as nurses,” he said.
On behalf of the Sabah State Government, James insisted that he will continue to be consistent in defending the fate of KKM residents in the state, including nurses, so that they also enjoy well-being in their daily lives.
