NOT all industries can adopt the work-from-home arrangement, said the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), with the matter especially so for labour-intensive jobs.

The group was responding to calls by the Human Resources, and Youth and Sports Ministries for employers to grant staff the flexibility of teleworking during the country’s current smoke situation.

FMM president Soh Thian Lai told The Malaysian Insight that remote working is not practical for the manufacturing industry, as production lines are located inside factories.

Plants and offices have good ventilation, which minimises the impact of air pollution on workers, he said.

The steel magnate added that employers must act on the advice and instructions of the Occupational Safety and Health Department to mitigate the effects of smoke and provide the relevant assistance to staff.

Malaysian Employers’ Federation (MEF) executive director Shamsuddin Bardan questioned what would happen if a remote employee gets injured during work hours.

“Will they be covered by insurance?

“Accidents that happen when an employee commutes to work, or at the workplace, are covered. But what about employees who work from home?”

The Workmen’s Compensation Scheme covers personal injury caused by accidents or occupational diseases during the course of employment.

On that note, said Shamsuddin, the government should clearly spell out compensation policies to avoid disputes.

Acknowledging that the two ministries have good intentions, he said industries able to adopt the work-from-home arrangement can consider the matter.

For example, sales jobs can be done from home, as they entail online transactions, he said.

“As for those working outdoors, such as construction workers, employers can take mitigating measures. If the air pollutant index reading is serious, employers should monitor their employees’ health and provide medical aid.”

Although the Health Ministry has reported a 15% increase in clinic visits since the smoky period began, Shamsuddin said no MEF member has reported a significant spike in the number of staff falling ill.

He encouraged employers to prioritise workers with health problems, such as asthma and other respiratory issues.

SME Association of Malaysia president Michael Kang said internet-reliant industries can leverage teleworking, but the same cannot be said for labour-intensive jobs.

“The production lines of small and medium enterprises cannot stop. Otherwise, there will be a slowdown in production, and orders won’t be met.

“Although the government’s intention is good, it is crucial to resolve the recurring smoke problem.”

He said staff might be exposed to bad air only during their work commute.

The best that bosses can do is encourage employees to drink more water, provide a safe work environment and give staff time to rest when they are sick, he said.

“If private sector employees can work from home, what about civil servants and ministers? The government should be more rational in its recommendations.”

He pointed to food deliverymen, who have to work outdoors regardless of weather conditions.

Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services president Azih Musa said the suggestion for civil servants to work from home had been previously mooted.

He said if they are allowed to do so, they must be disciplined and not work from a McDonald’s or KFC.

“If department heads are being lenient, civil servants should have self-discipline. If you can work from a McDonald’s, you should be able work in the office.”

National Union of the Teaching Profession secretary-general Harry Tan said teachers can conduct lessons and assign work to students online.

Teachers can grade students’ work, assign exercises and answer questions through emails, the Google classroom platform, as well as social media, he said.

They can also catch up on paperwork and fill out various reports, he added.

“Health is a concern for everyone. Most staffrooms are not air-conditioned, so teachers are exposed to the same unhealthy air as their students.

“As the air quality deteriorates, there will definitely be more cases of respiratory issues and eye infections. The minister’s move is in the right direction, as he is showing care for all concerned.” – September 22, 2019.