'Employees have the right to decide when to utilise their annual leave,' says government
Malaysia's Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA) has warned employers against coercing staff to take annual or unpaid leave during the Chinese New Year.
KESUMA reminded employers that annual and unpaid leave must be granted based on employees' request and discretion, Bernama reported.
"KESUMA wishes to emphasise that employees have the right to decide when to utilise their annual leave," the ministry said as quoted by the news outlet.
"Employers cannot force them to use their annual or unpaid leave to cut business costs."
The ministry issued the warning after receiving reports that some employers are forcing them to take annual or unpaid leave amid plans to extend business closures beyond the gazetted public holidays for Chinese New Year.
It advised employees that employers who are forcing them to take leave due to extended business closures can report it to them under Section 69 of the Employment Act 1955.
The section grants the Director General of Labour the authority to inquire and decide in disputes between an employee and employer in respect of wages, or any other payments in cash due to the employee.
Malaysia marks the Chinese New Year holiday on January 29 and 30.