PUTRAJAYA: The Human Resources Ministry has called on employers to implement flexible work arrangements (FWA) as a strategic measure to strengthen organisational resilience, reduce the impact of rising energy costs and support sustainable economic growth.
In a statement, the ministry encouraged private sector employers to assess the suitability of adopting FWA based on operational needs, including work from home (WFH) arrangements, flexible working hours, job rotation or hybrid models.
The ministry noted that such arrangements can help optimise resource use while promoting better work-life balance for employees.
The call follows a recent suggestion by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urging the private sector to adopt WFH practices, as already implemented by several companies and financial institutions.
The ministry highlighted that FWA provisions were introduced through amendments to the Employment Act 1955, which came into force on Jan 1, 2023.
Under Sections 60P and 60Q of the Act, employees are allowed to apply for FWA, including adjustments to working hours, days and workplace location.
The ministry stressed that employers implementing FWA must not reduce employee benefits such as overtime pay, rest days, public holiday entitlements, annual leave and sick leave.
The ministry, through the Peninsular Malaysia Labour Department and TalentCorp, offers advisory services, training and the sharing of best practices to ensure effective implementation.
The FWA Implementation Guidelines 2024, which assist organisations in adopting structured and sustainable flexible work policies, can be downloaded at https://www.mohr.gov.my/images/pdf/Garis%20Panduan%20AKF%202024.pdf
Employers can also obtain further information or participate in related initiatives via TalentCorp’s FlexWorkLife platform by email at flexworklife@talentcorp.com.my or by visiting www.flexworklife.my.
“The ministry believes that implementing FWA offers comprehensive benefits to both employers and employees, particularly in the context of rising energy costs driven by geopolitical tensions and reliance on daily commuting,” the statement said, Bernama reported.
