MOH to retain RM98m nurse uniform fabric contract through year-end despite complaints over its “shroud-like” quality

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 98 — The Health Ministry (MOH) has confirmed that it has not terminated the RM98.3 million contract for the supply of fabric for nurses’ uniforms, despite complaints last year that the material was of poor quality and compared to burial shrouds.

In a written reply to Parliament, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said the contract will remain in force until December 31, 2025, and the supplier is still obligated to replace any fabric deemed below the required standards.

Under the terms of the agreement, the company must replace non-compliant fabric supplied to MOH facilities, and may be fined for any delays in delivery as stipulated in the Government Purchase Order.

Dzulkefly was responding to Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng’s question on whether the contract had been cancelled and awarded to a different supplier after complaints of poor quality.

According to the MOH, 3,281.2 metres of fabric have been replaced this year. No replacement requests were made in 2023 or 2024.

Dzulkefly added that as of July 25, the supplier had been fined RM665,334.95 for late deliveries during the contract period. Written reminders have also been sent, warning that failure to correct issues could lead to termination of the agreement.

However, he said no termination has occurred so far because the supplier has complied with the requirement to replace the substandard fabric and other contractual obligations.

In February, the ministry requested the replacement of nurse uniforms supplied by Peluang Kristal (M) Sdn Bhd after investigations confirmed that the fabric did not meet the required specifications.