The Malaysian Employers Federation says work-from-home rules must be flexible and sector-specific, not a one-size-fits-all mandate, to protect business operations.
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has cautioned against applying a blanket work-from-home (WFH) policy across all economic sectors. Its president, Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman, said the suitability of remote work varies drastically by industry.
He stated that many industries, including manufacturing, processing, logistics, retail, and physical services, require on-site staff presence and cannot operate entirely remotely. “A one-size-fits-all approach could affect the smooth running of business operations and the competitiveness of companies,” he told Bernama.
This is especially true for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with limited technological capacity. Syed Hussain stressed that the decision to allow WFH should remain with employers, based on operational needs, digital readiness, and job nature.
He was responding to suggestions to expand WFH to address global uncertainties and reduce commuting. Some have proposed it as a way to save on petrol consumption and ease the burden on RON95 fuel subsidies.
However, Syed Hussain argued that WFH is not a key solution to potential energy disruptions or cost rises from West Asia conflicts. He noted that such geopolitical issues disrupt global supply chains and drive up fuel and production costs.
These cannot be resolved solely through remote work arrangements. Instead, he proposed implementing WFH using flexible guidelines rather than a mandatory rule.
“The guidelines should take into account aspects such as productivity measurement, data security, working hours, as well as the responsibilities of employers and employees,” he explained. This would prevent legal uncertainties or performance management issues.
He added that any proposal to expand WFH should be discussed through tripartite dialogue involving the government, employers, and employees or unions. This ensures policies are practical, realistic, and do not create extra costs or administrative burdens.
Meanwhile, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said a proposal for WFH in the public sector is under review. Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Public Service director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz will examine the matter.
