PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has called for wide-ranging and progressive policies to be implemented in the job market.
In his Labour Day message, its president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said May Day has been celebrated since 1889, when it was designated as a day in support of workers.
“Yet, until today women are not being paid equal compensation for doing the same job despite having equal opportunities in hiring policies.
“In line with the Madani concept espoused by the government and to ensure fair and equitable compensation, salary benchmarking and good practices must be put in place to ensure a fair deal for women.”
He said this is of paramount importance to narrow “the yawning wage gap of not less than 50% against women workers (in some industries)”.
In terms of quality in mainstream and Technical and Vocational Education and Training, he said employers recognise the need to build a highly skilled and adaptable workforce.
He added that developing employees’ skills is essential as it directly impacts a company’s productivity and innovation, adding that reskilling and upskilling must take precedence to prevent a mismatch, especially among young graduates.
Syed Hussain also called for greater social protection and participation of vulnerable actors in the labour force.
“While formal employees are safeguarded by a social protection system that includes Social Security Organisation coverage, the increasing number of individuals transitioning to the gig economy mandates protection for them as well.”
He said the MEF wants to see persons with disabilities (PwD) and senior citizens better cared for.
“As of 2022, there were 674,548 registered PwD in the country, which highlights the need to provide them with jobs to ensure better livelihood and social advancement.”
Syed Hussain said considering that Malaysia is moving towards an ageing society, it is crucial to provide better access to work, increased social protection and more employment opportunities for senior citizens.
He said the MEF wants the government and employers to explore this untapped pool of talent which can move the nation’s economy forward.
“Senior citizens possess valuable skills and experiences that are gained from years of employment, making them important contributors to national development.
“The expectation that they will continue to work after retirement should be a catalyst for more employment opportunities where flexibility and social protection exist for them as well.”
Syed Hussain said as Malaysia faces a shortage of local workers in certain sectors, the MEF is encouraging employers to hire parolees as an alternative.
“By providing them with meaningful employment, the government hopes to rehabilitate parolees and reduce the likelihood of recidivism.
“This move can have a positive impact on the economy and society as a whole, and the MEF fully supports such efforts.”
In the case of refugees and asylum seekers, Syed Hussain said the 12th Malaysian Plan Mid-Term Review and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Budget 2024 speech have suggested that they be given job opportunities.
“It is estimated that allowing refugees and asylum-seekers to work legally will increase Malaysia’s annual GDP by at least RM3 billion and add about RM50 million to the annual tax coffers.”
Syed Hussain said as the MEF advocates employer-friendly policies and regulations, it recently supported the Progressive Wage System proposed by the government.
“As we celebrate Labour Day, all stakeholders must be mindful of our national strategy for a sustainable economy. Industrial harmony is a key to this, in terms of our attractiveness to foreign investment.
“It creates a conducive business environment characterised by predictability, reduced risk, enhanced productivity, positive reputation, and supportive government policies.
“By fostering social dialogue through a cooperative relationship between employers, employees and the government, the country can effectively attract foreign investment and stimulate economic development,” Syed Hussain said.
