BUSINESSES should not be dictated to on flexible working arrangements (FWA) as every sector has different needs, the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) said today.

Instead of legislation, MEF president Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said the government should lend support by providing clear guidelines on how companies and employees should handle requests, rejections and appeal procedures. 

“Offer flexibility and relax some regulations as appropriate (taking into account) the number of employees and nature of business that may affect (a company’s) ability to implement FWAs,” he said in a statement.

Syed Hussain was responding to Human Resources Deputy Minister Awang Hashim who said two days ago that effective September 1, employees can apply in writing for FWAs with their respective employers.

Awang said this will be possible because of an amendment to the Employment Act 1955 that will enable employees to apply for changes to their working hours, working days and also place of work.

Syed Hussain said the government should first understand the different contexts of each industry and sector. 

“It should be recognised that not all businesses change and not all processes can change. FWAs can only be done only after understanding these issues. In some cases, certain areas of business can have flexibility and some cannot. 

“The final decision really depends on the industry and conditions of the particular business,” he said. – June 25, 2022.