KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) will issue a circular on guidelines for working hour limits for house officers (PPS) in the near future.

Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the move follows a report by Malaysian Medics International (MMI), which claimed that house officers in the country work between 65 and 85 hours a week.

“A new guideline circular will be issued to strengthen matters related to the working hours of house officers, and this matter is receiving the attention of Health director-general Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab,” he said.

He said this at a press conference after officiating the launch of the 5th Annual Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM) Trial Connect Conference 2026 here today.

He said the new circular is expected to improve the governance of the existing flexible working hours system in accordance with regulations set at the country’s health facilities.

In another development, Dzulkefly said the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) would examine policy changes following the implementation of the Medical Training (Prioritisation) Act 2026 by the United Kingdom, which changes the entry requirements for the Foundation Programme (FY1/FY2).

He said Dr Mahathar, in his capacity as MMC president, would scrutinise the matter and seek solutions for about 850 Malaysian medical students at Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed Malaysia), who are facing uncertainty over their future following the implementation of the policy.

“MMC wishes to stress that the registration and recognition process for medical graduates in Malaysia is subject to the provisions of the Medical Act 1971 and the regulations currently in force.

“All decisions related to registration, training and professional qualifications are implemented based on statutory requirements and standards set by the MMC,” he said.

He added that, from a legal standpoint, medical qualifications listed under the Second Schedule of the Medical Act 1971 are recognised for registration purposes in Malaysia.

In line with its role as a regulatory body, the MMC remains committed to ensuring that all registered medical practitioners in Malaysia meet the required standards of competency, professionalism and patient safety.

Under the new regulations, priority is only given to graduates who undergo their studies and training physically in the UK, placing NUMed Malaysia students who complete their studies in Malaysia under the category of international medical graduates (IMGs). — Bernama