All smiles: Sim (right) with attendees at the Guidelines for FWA launch in Kuala Lumpur. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: A study on the implementation of flexible working arrangements (FWA) in local companies will be conducted over the next six months to assess its impact in the Malaysian context, says Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.
The study will be carried out by Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp), which has been organising workshops on FWA, he said.
“While international reports show that FWA does not affect productivity, the ministry still needs to evaluate it from a local perspective and consider its implications,” Sim said after launching the Guidelines for FWA here yesterday.
“As of October, 2,826 organisations and 565,210 employees have demonstrated the potential for FWA transformation through the workshops.”
The workshops aim to raise awareness on FWA as many companies are unsure about how to implement it, Sim added.
These workshops will be held mainly in major cities in Johor, Penang and the Klang Valley, which are key hubs for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Sim hoped that FWA can help alleviate traffic congestion through flexible hours, reduce work-related stress and address mental health issues.
Ultimately, he said, the goal of FWA is to create a more conducive working environment.
He also noted that FWA will promote progressive working conditions, flexibility and work-life balance, helping companies retain talent.
On the guidelines, Sim said they are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to empower workers and help employers optimise human resources and operating costs.
This aligns with the enforcement of the Employment Act 1955 (Amendment) 2022, particularly Sections 60P and 60Q, which grant employees the right to apply for FWA.
“The guidelines cover the objectives, definitions, implementation methods, work arrangements, how to calculate working hours, which situation, the days, the types of profession, approval and application processes as well as the responsibilities of the employees and employers,” Sim said.
He said the Peninsular Malaysia Labour Department conducted an online survey from Oct 9 to 25 to assess the implementation of these guidelines, involving 400 companies via email, with 164 responses received.Of those, 78 companies had implemented FWA, with 46 approving applications benefiting 11,272 employees.
The most common FWA applications were flexible working hours, workplaces and working days.
The survey found that 56% of respondents considered FWA suitable for implementation, while 44% disagreed.
The guidelines are available for access at www.mohr.gov.my/index.php/categories/garis-panduan/garis-panduan-perlaksanaan-aturan-kerja-fleksibel-2024, jtksm.mohr.gov.my/ms/penerbitan/garis-panduan and www.talentcorp.com.my/resources/publications/garis-panduan-aturan-kerja-fleksibel/
