While browsing bbc.co.uk, I noticed they a very useful “Guide to” Employment Law. Firstly, kudos! It’s great that UK citizens have such easy access to their rights. Things then are relatively clear. It is also great that the UK has simplified much of the law there so that terms and jargon has been reduced to simple clear words which make sense to the layman.
Understandably, there is a lot of confusion here in Malaysia. Firstly, we do not really have a piece of legislation governing all employment. Therefore, most of the ‘rights’ you have come from your contract (if you earn RM1,500+). So read your contract carefully! And you might want to read this article on how to cut the best deal with your contract.
Thankfully, the Ministry of Human Resources has an FAQ page, which lists out the basics of employment rights in Malaysia. Read it!
Workers covered under the Employment Act 1955 are all workers whose earnings do not exceed RM1,500.00 a month and all manual workers irrespective of their earnings.
If you are a foreign worker legally employed in this country, you are also covered under the Employment Act 1955.
In 2007, the (then) Human Resources Minister, Minister Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn, was reported to have stated that the Employment Act 1955, the Industrial Relations Act 1967, the Workmen Compensation Act 1952, the Human Resources Act 2001, the Trade Union Act 1959 and the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 was under review.
Apparently, the review was to ensure adequate protection and welfare to employees in terms of their basic entitlements, training and skills upgrading, occupational safety and health, retrenchment and termination benefits and other vital issues in human resource management, including sexual harassment and the employment of foreign workers.
Up to today – nothing…
Anyway, you might also want to read this on EPF and this on SOCSO (select “Services” in their funky Flash 9 website for information).
Know your rights!
Posted on 24/06/2008
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