Work-from-home arrangements must be flexible, based on sector - MEF

 

The Malaysian Employers’ Federation (MEF) said the proposed expansion of work-from-home (WFH) arrangements should not be applied across all sectors, as suitability varies by industry.

Its president, Syed Hussain Syed Husman, said most industries, including manufacturing, processing, logistics, retail, and physical services, require staff to be on-site and cannot operate entirely remotely.

He said the decision to allow WFH should rest with employers, based on operational requirements, the company’s digital readiness, and the nature of the job.

“A one-size-fits-all approach could affect the smooth running of business operations and the competitiveness of companies, especially for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that have limited technological capacity and resources,” he told Bernama.

He said this in response to suggestions from various quarters that WFH be expanded to address global uncertainties, reduce daily commuting, save petrol, and ease the burden on fuel subsidies, particularly for RON95.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said today that Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Public Service director-general Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz would review the WFH proposal for the public sector.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil

Fahmi, who is also the government spokesperson, was speaking at a press conference today after a special cabinet meeting on the impact of the West Asia conflict.

‘WFH not the sole solution’

Meanwhile, Syed Hussain said the WFH proposal would not be the key solution to counter possible energy supply disruptions or rising costs caused by West Asia conflicts.

He said geopolitical conflicts typically disrupt the global supply chain and drive up fuel and production costs, which cannot be resolved solely through WFH arrangements.

In this regard, he proposed that WFH be implemented flexibly rather than being made mandatory.

“The guidelines should take into account aspects such as productivity measurement, data security, working hours, as well as the responsibilities of employers and employees, so that the implementation of WFH arrangements does not create legal uncertainties or performance management issues,” he explained.

Syed Hussain added that any proposals to expand WFH arrangements should be discussed between the government, employers, and employees or unions.

He said this is to ensure that the policies introduced are practical, realistic, and do not create extra costs or administrative burdens for businesses.

- Bernama