PETALING JAYA: The implementation of a shorter working week would have attracted more local workers to take up jobs in sectors that are now facing a manpower crunch due to the shortage of foreign labour.
Thus, the government’s decision to defer the implementation of the new rules to Jan 1 from Sept 1 as originally scheduled is disappointing, said the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC).
Its president Mohd Effendy Abdul Ghani said labour shortages had been a bane for industries such as manufacturing, construction and plantation for some time now.
The shortage is more pronounced in jobs that are considered dangerous, dirty and difficult (3D).
This, he said, could also be due to factors such as unattractive salaries and high risk factor associated with such jobs.
He said there should be more discussions on how to transform the 3D industry to make it more appealing.
“The government has announced agreements (with other countries) to bring migrant workers to Malaysia. I believe that with the new amendment for a shorter work week, we can also attract local workers,” he said
The amendments to the Employment Act 1955 reduce the number of working hours in a week to 45 from 48 hours.
Other key amendments include the extension of maternity leave from 60 days to 98 days and paternity leave from three to seven days.
Mohd Effendy said employees would be attracted to the promise of shorter working hours as they would have a better social life and spend more time with their families.
The amendments also cover migrant workers.
He also disputed Human Resources Minister M. Saravanan’s statement that discussions had been held with MTUC.
“We urge the government to please get the views of workers’ representatives like MTUC before making such decisions,” he said, asking for a more detailed explanation over the deferment.
“Is there any guarantee that this amendment will be implemented on Jan 1, 2023 without being postponed again?” he asked.
He said MTUC is “very sad and disappointed” with the government’s 11th hour announcement on the deferment.
