05/10/2025

ON SUNDAY October 5, 2025 theSunday Special IX

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although certain overtime provisions still exclude those earning more than RM4,000. Key changes include: • Flexible working arrangements: (PSOR\HHV PD\ UHTXHVW ÀH[LEOH ZRUN LQJ DUUDQJHPHQWV LQ ZULWLQJ DQG HP SOR\HUV PXVW UHVSRQG ZLWKLQ GD\V • Reduced weekly hours: 45 hours SHU ZHHN GRZQ IURP • Paid paternity leave: Seven days, LI HPSOR\HG IRU DW OHDVW PRQWKV DQG proper notice is given. • Gig-worker protection: Section & FRYHUV ZRUNHUV XQGHU DQ HP ployer’s control or direction, even ZLWKRXW D IRUPDO FRQWUDFW • Sexual harassment procedure: Employers must handle complaints XQGHU 6HFWLRQV $ WR ) ,I WKH\ IDLO WR DFW ZRUNHUV FDQ HVFDODWH PDWWHUV WR the Director General. Non-compliance FDQ UHVXOW LQ ¿QHV XS WR 50 M DQ\ SURIHVVLRQDOV VWLOO DVVXPH WKHVH SURWHFWLRQV DSSO\ RQO\ WR ORZHU SDLG HPSOR\HHV KRZHYHU WKH ODZ QRZ VWDWHV RWKHUZLVH Payroll deductions: Capped at 50% U QGHU WKH (PSOR\PHQW $FW VWDWXWRU\ payroll deductions such as income tax 3&% (3) 62&62 ZDJH DGYDQFHV RU

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Why this matters

KNOWING these laws makes you a more informed consumer, employee, taxpayer, and citizen. Whether it is understanding your rights on credit, payroll deductions, flexible working or data protection or recognising that older laws, such as the Sedition and Assembly Acts, still apply, awareness is key. So the next time a contract feels un clear, a payslip seems off or a purchase disappoints, check the law. Many Acts provide simple, low-cost channels for complaining or correcting problems. Laws may seem distant, but they shape everyday life, from purchasing on TikTok to taking leave at the office to filing tax submissions. Knowing the rules is half the game.