Malaysia proposes flexible and shorter work weeks for women

Malaysia has proposed flexible working schedules and shorter work weeks for female employees in the workforce.

Although flexible schedules and work-from-home practices have been implemented by the public and private sectors since the pandemic outbreak last year, there are no laws governing the matter, said Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Awang Hashim.

“At present, there are no policies or specific labour laws on fixed flexible working schedules for women. However, the government is concerned for women employees in arranging their work schedules to harmonise their lives.”

“In this respect, the ministry has included several new provisions related to flexible work schedules and a shorter work week under amendments to the Employment Act,” he said, addressing the lower parliament.

The proposed amendments are expected to be tabled and passed by the lower parliament next month, he highlighted.

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The deputy minister added that there are no plans to mandate employers in the private sector to provide day care facilities at the workplace for working mothers so far, according to The Star.