Govt Urges Companies To Let Employees Work From Home Due To Haze

We adult Malaysians, meanwhile, are also patiently waiting for the same instruction from our employers, but we know the chances are slim unless the IPU hits 500.

However, based on the current haze situation, the Human Resources Ministry has advised employers all over Malaysia to implement some sort of flexible working conditions - by allowing employees to work from home.

According to Bernama, the ministry raised the matter during a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

The ministry added that it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure the safety and health of workers.

“It is important for employers to carry out risk assessments, take appropriate measures and to determine the need to come to work to ensure risks can be minimised,” the ministry said in a statement.

“Labour laws in Malaysia do not prohibit employers from specifying a place of employment other than those specified in a contract.”

“Depending on circumstances such as haze or flood, workers can work from home as a temporary measure until conditions are restored,” it said.

Employers must also start making preparations to protect its workers’ safety and health against the effects of haze, as well as identifying workers with heart or respiratory problems.

If the API reading continues to climb to hazardous levels, the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) may order that any occupation affected by the haze be stopped in a situation that poses a danger to the safety and health of the worker.

And if the employer does not comply with the Stop Work Order under OSHA, they may be fined up to RM50,000 or imprisoned for not more than five years or both, and a further fine of RM500 for each day the offence continues.