Company retracts memo banning prayer during office hours

PETALING JAYA: A company in Klang has retracted a memo barring its Muslim staff from performing prayers during office hours.

Plastic bag manufacturer Hond Tat Industries Sdn Bhd said there was a misunderstanding over the memo dated July 30.

“All the workers were angry,” a spokesman for the company told FMT.

She said the memo had yet to be posted on the company’s whiteboard.

The memo which was written in English and Malay reads:

“The management would like to inform all employees are advised that they are not allowed to prayer during working hours except lunch time only.

“With immediate effect if found to be in violation of the order, a fine of RM500.00 (Ringgit Malaysia: Five Hundred Only) shall be imposed for each offence.” (Passages have not been edited.)

The company had reportedly denied issuing the memo.

“This is an act of sabotage. There is no signature on the memo and no approval by the top management. Anyone can take the letterhead and print it,” an operations manager told The News Straits Times, adding that a police report would be lodged by the company.

Meanwhile, Kapar Umno Youth chief Muhammad Noor Azman Noor Hizam warned of “firm and appropriate action” if the memo was found to be genuine. - FMT