HR ministry ready to offer guidance on 'work-related issues during a crisis'
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong has reminded employers that they cannot arbitrarily deduct wages as he called for their empathy amid huge flooding in Malaysia.
Sim told employers that wage deduction is governed by the Employment Act 1955 in Peninsular Malaysia and the Labour Ordinance for Sabah and Sarawak, Bernama reported.
"Wages cannot be deducted except as specified by law, such as for regular tax deductions, EPF, SOCSO, and so on," the minister said as quoted by the news outlet.
He issued the reminder as Malaysia's northern states were hit with relentless rain last week, leading to one of the country's worst floodings since 2014, Channel News Asia reported.
According to the report, more than 122,000 people have been displaced by the floods, with at least four people declared dead in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Sarawak.
Sim said employers and employees who require guidance on work arrangements in cases of flood can come forward or contact the labour office.
"We will provide guidance to both parties to maintain mutual understanding and facilitate work-related issues during a crisis," Sim said as quoted by Bernama.
The ministry previously issued a similar approach during water supply disruptions in the past, leaving many employers and employees unsure about how to adjust working hours, leave, and other arrangements, Bernama reported.
