Kuala Lumpur: Enforcement of amendments to the Employment Act 1955 to provide for shorter working hours has been postponed to Jan 1 next year from its earlier scheduled date of Sept 1, said Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan.
He said this was decided by the Cabinet Friday after industries and employers unanimously asked for the postponement due to several factors.
Apart from reducing working hours from 48 to 45 hours per week, the amended law will also increase maternity leave from 60 days to 98 days and paternity leave from three days to seven days.
He said engagement sessions with stakeholders found that industry players, especially employers, needed a bit more time for the amendments to come into force because they were still dealing with the issue of shortage of foreign workers and were recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic.
“After listening to everyone, we (the Government) have come to a conclusion that we should give another three months for the recovery of the economy. Otherwise, I am just worried that if the industries suffer, a lot of us will lose their jobs.
“Of course, the Ministry is concerned about the interests of the employees. This (delay) is to safeguard their interests,” he told a news conference here.
Saravanan said the restrictions imposed on the entry of foreign workers in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic had resulted in a shortage of manpower in industries.
He said although Malaysia now allowed foreign workers to enter again, the process of fulfilling the manpower needs of industries would take time.
“This is the final postponement. By hook or by crook, these amendments will be enforced on Jan 1,” he added.
The amendments were approved by Parliament in March this year, and Saravanan had earlier said that the amended law would be enforced on Sept 1.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) slammed the Government over its decision to postpone the enforcement of amendments to the Employment Act.
Its Secretary-General Kamarul Baharin Mansor said MTUC was surprised by the Government’s “flip-flop” on the matter, as it had just announced this month that the amendments would be enforced from Sept 1.
He added that the Government had not consulted with them regarding the postponement.
Kamarul said it seemed as if workers were being “isolated” or pushed aside by the Government, although the amendments were for their benefit.
“Does the Government only obey the wishes of employers, while ignoring the needs of millions of workers who have the power to choose the (next) government?” he asked in a statement.
Kamarul urged the Government to hold a National Labour Advisory Council meeting to discuss the issue, as it involved the interests of workers.
“MTUC will hold a special general council meeting to discuss the postponement of the Employment Act,” he said, referring to the congress’ highest decision-making body.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
