Malaysia postpones enforcement of shorter working hours

Malaysia will be postponing the enforcement of shorter working hours to January 1 next year after industries and employers unanimously asked for the postponement, citing several factors. 

The amended law reduces working hours from 48 to 45 hours per week, and increases maternity leave from 60 days to 98 days and paternity leave from three days to seven days. It was originally scheduled to take effect on September 1. 

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan highlighted that engagement sessions with stakeholders found that employers needed 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,” he said, reports Bernama.

“Of course, the ministry is concerned about the interests of the employees. This [delay] is to safeguard their interests,” he explained.

READ: Malaysian government asked to delay amendments to employment act

Although Malaysia now allowed foreign workers to enter again, the process of fulfilling the manpower needs of industries would take time, he added.