PRIME Minister Muhyiddin Yassin today said employers must allow flexible working hours for their staff during the conditional movement control order starting May 4.

“This is the new norm we must practice. Talk to employees. If they can perform any task from home, then it is better.

“It may also be possible to arrange alternate working day schedules. Today work in the office, tomorrow work from home,” he said in a special Labour Day address on the movement control order (MCO) today.

Muhyiddin said that this could also solve the problem of childcare as well.

“Even childcare centres will be opened practicing certain SOPs, I know many parents are worried about sending their children.

“So, if the employers can provide some flexibility to the spouses to come to work every other day, this can help solve childcare issues.”

Muhyiddin also said that by alternating working at home and in the office is good because the child doesn’t have to be sent to a day-care centre.

“Only those who have no choice are sending their children. This indirectly reduces the number of children in centres and is easier for caregivers to take care of these children in accordance with the prescribed SOP.”

He also urged employers to look into suggestions couples with children work alternate days at home. – May 1, 2020.