JUST IN: Shorter Working Hours To Be Implemented At Work Starting From Sept 1

According to Sin Chew Daily, Deputy Human Resources Minister, Datuk Awang Hashim has mentioned that the amendments to the Employment Act will see weekly working hours reduced from 48 to 45 hours.

The following amendments made on the Employment Act is to ensure the welfare of the employees and will be enforced on September 1 in line with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention.

The amendments made would include:

• Shorter working hours (48 hours to 45 hours)
• Flexibility in working arrangements.

He added that, “This flexibility would allow employees to apply to their employers to carry out their working tasks according to their suitability (working hours, Covid-19 emergencies and workplaces).”

Senator Md Nasir has raised the question on the minister’s stance on implementing a 4-day work schedule especially in the private sector and Datuk Awang Hashim responded by saying that, “As of now, there are currently no proposals or discussion regarding the implementation of a 4-day work schedule at the ministry level.”

What do you think of the announcement? Is it a good move?

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