M’sian Employee Accuses KL Based SG Company of Refusing to Let Staff Take Leave on Friday For GE15

Caretaker Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob recently declared that November 18 and 19 are public holidays so that Malaysians can travel back to vote in their hometowns.

Despite the various announcements, it appears that some employers are still refusing to do so.

An anonymous reader recently shared with us how the company they are currently working at is refusing to follow the government’s instructions and has instructed all of its staff to treat it as a normal work day.

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The reader told us that they are currently working at a Singaporean company that is based in Kuala Lumpur.

“We follow the Singaporean calendar which is inclusive of their public holidays. Therefore, Malaysia public holidays are a normal working day for us.”

“But in regards of the general election, and the government’s announcement of the PH this Friday specifically to allow us citizens to make arrangements to be able to vote the next day, our company should at least take this into consideration and come up to a fair decision,” they added.

“At first I was confused because I believe it is unfair. Everyone gets extra time off to make arrangements to vote the next day but we don’t,” explained the reader.

The HR department of the company had released a memo to the staff which said that the PH doesn’t apply to them and that they would have to work as per usual basis without any replacement leaves or extra pay.

“I believe this is a major demotivating factor to vote especially for those whose voting area outside of KL. A few of my colleagues have to vote in Penang, Johor and they are still contemplating whether to actually travel to vote as it will be quite rushed for them.”

The reader asked Malaysians to share tips on what they should do as they are currently helpless. “I’m seeking the opinion of the public on whether or not such international companies should have off days for special circumstances such as general election.”

What should the employees do in such a circumstance?

Also read: Employees Need To Be Paid Public Holiday Rates or Given Replacement Leave If They Work On 18 & 19 Nov