The implementation of the measure to reduce the working week to 45 hours has been postponed!
According to a message from the Deputy Minister of Human Resources, Dato’ Awang Hassan, the implementation of the 45-hour work week, which was scheduled to start on September 1, will be postponed.
Under the Labour (Amendment) Act 2022, which will come into effect in September, the working week will be reduced from the existing 48 hours to 45 hours, which means that the working week will be reduced by 3 hours. Employers will not be allowed to reduce employees’ wages because of the reduction in office hours, and employers who violate the law will be dealt with.
After the government announced the measure to shorten the working week, many employers expressed their opposition and could not accept the adjustment. The government has been forced to postpone the implementation of the measure for the time being. It is not clear how long the delay will last.
The Labour (Amendment) Act 2022 also introduces flexible working regulations, which allow employees to request flexible working hours from their employers depending on the working hours, working day or workplace. If an employee wishes to work flexibly, he or she must submit a formal written request to the employer. The written letter must clearly state the details of working hours, days and location.
After receiving the employee’s request, the employer must respond in writing within 60 days, i.e., accept or reject the request. If the employer rejects the employee’s application, it must give a valid reason.
