MEF president calls for stricter vetting 'to prevent untoward incidents'
The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has underscored the importance of a "comprehensive hiring process" to reduce the chances of hiring job applicants with a history of misconduct, according to reports.
"To prevent untoward incidents, a comprehensive hiring process that includes multiple layers of verification is crucial," said MEF president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman as quoted by The Sun.
"It's also important for businesses to regularly review and update their hiring policies to adapt to new risks and challenges in the employment environment."
According to the MEF president, among the multiple layers of verification in the hiring process are reference checks, psychological assessments, as well as detailed background checks.
"Background checks also foster a safer working environment for colleagues and reinforce consumer trust, as clients feel reassured knowing that the individuals they interact with have been properly vetted."
Syed Hussain made the remarks after an ice cream parlour drew backlash for reportedly hiring a woman who was previously terminated by a pretzel chain for inappropriately handling and kissing a lump of dough in a viral video.
The management of the ice cream parlour clarified that the woman was not officially hired and had hidden her identity during the recruitment process, The Sun reported.
Syed Hussain said it was possible that the hiring managers of the organisation did not carry out a thorough vetting process.
Food and beverage employers should learn from the incident and implement a stricter vetting process as terminating an employee could be difficult, according to the MEF president.
"Employers need to have clear policies for dealing with cases of concealed identity or false information to safeguard themselves," Syed Hussain said as quoted by The Sun.
"Once a person is hired, it will be a tedious process to terminate the employment, which includes conducting a domestic inquiry to take the necessary disciplinary action."
