Nurses in the public sector adhered to the civil servant dress code.
The nurses’ union and medical associations have hit back against the statement made by Kuantan MP Wan Razali Wan Nor about nurses’ uniforms not being shariah-compliant.
Malayan Nurses Union president Nor Hayati Abd Rashid said the uniform worn by nurses was designed to accommodate the nurses’ movement while performing their duties.
“Our uniforms are designed for us to move with ease while working. We also have to follow guidelines set by the ministry.
“The guidelines are that they can’t be too tight, and the length of the top of the uniform must be below the buttocks.
“There should be no issue with it being too tight. Our work involves us squatting down and lifting patients. Why would we want to wear tight uniforms?”
She added that the current uniform had undergone many transformations compared to the olden days of nurses wearing skirts.
“Our uniforms have evolved from the skirts that we used to wear. Back then, there was a need to accommodate Muslim nurses, and we had discussed this with religious authorities.
“That’s why nurses can wear their headscarves and are Shariah compliant; I don’t understand the issue of not being Shariah compliant,” Nor Hayati said when contacted by the New Straits Times.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Medical Association president Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai expressed dismay over the Kuantan MP’s statement.
“It is sad that amid nationwide concern over the future and sustainability of our healthcare system, an MP is more concerned about the dress code of nurses.”
He said that nurses in the public sector adhered to the civil servant dress code.
“We believe the current Health Ministry’s nurse uniforms are practical as they do not restrict movement when nurses carry out their duties.
“In healthcare, everyone needs to be fast on their feet and, at times, ready to sprint to save lives.”
“It is a shame, when everyone is concerned about the future of healthcare, Wan Razali was concerned about nurses’ dress code,” said Dr Muruga.
Former deputy health minister Dr Lee Boon Chye also said the present nurses’ uniforms were comfortable, functional and decent, catering well to each institution and individual preferences.
“When we expect MPs to focus on debating important healthcare reforms in the Health White Paper, the PAS MP was focused on the cut of the uniforms,” he added.
Yesterday, Wan Razali raised an issue regarding nurses’ uniforms during the debate on the Health White Paper in Dewan Rakyat.
He had described the current dress code for nurses as “showing their body shape” and not being Shariah-compliant.
“I would like to ask if we will keep following the Western mould for nurses’ uniforms.
“Can’t it be changed and some relaxations on the dress code be given in relation to nurses?” he said.
Former Klang MP Charles Santiago also blasted Wan Razali for his sexist comments.