KUCHING: Shortening working hours in a country that has many public holidays needs to be reevaluated.
In stating this, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Human Development Programme Associate Professor Dr Abdul Halim Busari said the economic and social aspects as well as work life balance must also be taken into account before arriving at a decision.
“Aside from that, it is also necessary to look at the opinions and views of the employers, employees, investors and policy makers,” he said.
According to him, prior to 2007, public sector workers had worked for almost six days per week (from Monday to half of Saturday) before this was changed to five days a week.
He said there were various implications that arose after its implementation. Similarly, if a four-day-a-week working policy is implemented, it is likely to have effects as well.
He added that if the policy is implemented, productivity and financial implications, especially those involving wages and salaries, will definitely be the main concern of employers.
“As for the workers, some sectors and areas of employment are certainly excited about the proposed policy, but others, especially those who work according to daily wages would see the downside of it.
“However, from the community’s perspective, they will definitely show a positive response to it as this policy (if implemented) can definitely be used for them to spend more quality time together with their loved ones,” he explained.
Nevertheless, he said the appropriateness of implementing the policy in Malaysia is a very subjective matter.
Referring to Britain which has implemented four working days in certain fields or industries, he stated that the scenario is very different.
“This is because the payment of wages and salaries, labour power, standard of living, cost of living, organisational culture and community culture as well as quality time are among the contributing factors to why this system is implemented.
“Generally, I support this policy only if the implementation involves specific jobs and sectors that really have those needs.
“However, this issue still needs in-depth study by looking at it from various angles including productivity, well -being of employees and employers as well as salaries,” he added.
Recently, Deputy Human Resources Minister Awang Hashim announced that employees of Malaysia who want to work on a flexible basis can apply for Flexible Working Arrangements (FWA) with their respective employers under the amendment to the Employment Act 1955 which will come into force on September 1.
