Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Awang Hashim announced at Dewan Negara on 9 August 2022 that weekly working hours will go from 48 to 45 hours following an amendment to the Employment Act. These changes are effective starting 1 September 2022.
This news came as a result of attempts to align with the International Labour Organisation Convention. The amendments will protect the welfare of workers and offer flexible working hours for those who need them.
The amendments also introduce a new section on flexible work arrangements. This is to allow employees to apply to employers to carry out work according to the suitability of working hours, working days or workplaces. This includes working from home for emergency situations such as the Covid-19 pandemic.
When Senator Md Nasir Hashim questioned him over the possibility of implementing the four-day workweek in the Malaysian private sector, Awang Hashim replied: “As of today, there is no proposal or engagement for us to set four working days a week, at the ministry level,”
Good News for Mummies?
So mummies, what do you think about this news? Are you excited for more flexible hours? Or are these new changes more lip service and false hope? Let us know through our social media channels. As always, have a good weekend ahead.
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!