Employees in Malaysia offered flexible work options

Workers in Malaysia who want to work on a flexible arrangement would be able to do so from September 1.

Under an amendment to the employment act which will be enforced on September 1, employees can apply for Flexible Working Arrangements (FWA) with their respective companies. 

The application must be made in writing, and can cover changes in working hours, working days and also the place of work, said Deputy Minister of Human Resources Datuk Awang Hashim, reports Bernama.

“When the application is made, the employer must give an answer to the employee in writing whether to agree or reject the application within 60 days and must give reasons why the application was rejected,” he said. 

Datuk Awang highlighted that a study has also been conducted on working four days a week to ensure that companies would not face severe repercussions should such an arrangement be implemented in the future. 

READ: Malaysian SMEs oppose 4-day workweek

“Studies are still being conducted and so far, we have seen that the four working days have not reduced employee productivity. If there are employers who are affected, we will take into account the study to discuss further in the ministry,” he said.