Editor’s Note: Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan announced yesterday (Aug 26) that enforcement of the amendments to the Employment Act 1955 has been postponed to Jan 1.
Apart from reducing working hours from 48 to 45 hours per week (supposedly to take effect on Sept 1), the amended law will also increase maternity leave from 60 days to 98 days and paternity leave from three days to seven days.
Saravanan said the Cabinet reached such decision so as to assist industry players who previously urged the ministry to delay the implementation until after the economy recovers while also enable the country to address its shortage of workers.
The Tapah MP nevertheless stressed that the amendments will be enforced come January “by hook or by crook”.
THE Malaysian Trades Union Congress’ (MTUC) Penang Division at the onset registers its utmost objection to the Government’s decision to defer the enforcement of the amendments to the Employment Act 1955.
We are of the view that the Government is but pandering to the lobby of the employers and, under such circumstances, confining the well-being of the working citizens to the back burner!
Our understanding of the said amendments though limited in scope was to strike a balance of:
- Enhancing workers welfare and protection;
- Ensuring our labour standards confirm with those set by the International Labour Organization (ILO); and
- To confirm with labour standard requirements in the process of negotiating free trade agreements (FTAs).
If those are the underpinning need to bring forth amendments to the Employment Act 1955, it would have been expected of the Government to act without fear or favour in sticking to its timeline in the implementation of the Employment Act 1955’s amendments.
It is our opinion that by wavering on the implementation of the said amendments, the Government will be seen as indecisive by nations who seek to forge trade pacts with us – taking the last issue set-out here as an example.
Since it is alluded that the amendments are to enhance the welfare and protection of workers, we find it inexcusable for the Government to pander to the employer’s lobbying.
Between the interest of the employers and the millions of workers who have contributed to the country’s economic development, our Government has a moral obligation to implement the Employment Act 1955’s amendments – though limited in franchise – immediately. – Aug 27, 2022
K. Veeriah is the Malaysian Trades Union Congress’ (MTUC) Penang Division secretary.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main pic credit: New Straits Times
