KUALA LUMPUR: Private companies are urged to consider adopting work-from-home (WFH) and hybrid working arrangements as an immediate measure to ease rising cost-of-living pressures and fuel subsidy burdens.
Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the government encourages employers, particularly in the private sector, to adopt such approaches based on their operational requirements.
"If we look at the current situation, many large corporations, multinational companies and most banking institutions have already adopted this practice. We hope more private companies will follow this recommendation,” he told reporters after launching the Vetri Madani Carnival here on Saturday (April 25).
He said the sharp rise in petrol subsidy costs, which now stands at nearly RM4bil a month compared with about RM700mil previously, necessitates such measures to safeguard public interests.
Asked whether the government would provide incentives for companies to implement WFH arrangements, he said the matter is being considered, but more time is needed before any decision is made.
"We are in a global crisis situation, and the priority is to ensure spending is carried out prudently,” he said.
On the Vetri Madani Carnival, he said the programme aims to improve living standards through skills development, particularly among the Indian community in the country.
He said the initiative offers various opportunities, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machinery training, job placements, and access to information on government assistance and programmes, with an allocation of RM10mil.
"This opportunity is open to 2,000 participants regardless of background. The public is encouraged to take advantage of it and register via www.hrdcorp.gov.my,” he said.- Bernama
