25/04/2026

SATURDAY | APR 25, 2026

2 Anwar presents King with list of MACC chief candidates

‘Implementing WFH easier with labour law amendments’ Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is now better prepared to implement flexible work arrangements, thanks to post-pandemic amendments to labour laws, but uneven adoption across sectors remains a key challenge, say experts. Universiti Malaysia Kelantan Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations professor Dr Balakrishnan Parasuraman said Malaysia had gained valuable lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly in adopting work-from home (WFH) and flexible working arrangements. He said these practices are now supported by amendments to the Employment Act as well as similar ordinances in Sabah and Sarawak. “The government has already begun implementing such measures in the public sector, including allowing employees in urban areas beyond a certain distance from the workplace to work from home, and the private sector should follow suit in line with the call by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday.” Balakhrishnan said given the current global uncertainties and rising fuel costs, flexible work arrangements could help reduce reliance on petrol and diesel while easing operational and commuting expenses. He said some countries, including Vietnam and Cambodia, have already implemented such policies and reported positive outcomes. “The crisis we are facing now is quite serious due to the ongoing economic turbulence, including the oil crisis and its unpredictability. “Malaysia should also consider long-term shifts towards alternative energy sources such as solar power, and invest more in this so that the country can gradually move towards alternative energy in the future.” Balakrishnan stressed that companies must remain prepared for future crises, warning that economic or global disruptions similar to the pandemic could recur. He said the government must prepare policies that support both employers and employees to ensure job stability and prevent job reductions or layoffs. “WFH is one of the methods that can help reduce energy usage, including electricity and water, but implementation will require different approaches to workforce management. “The most important thing is to always be prepared for any crisis we may face.” Balakrishnan also emphasised that employees must continue to work hard to maintain productivity as the economic impact of current challenges could take at least a year to ease fully. He acknowledged that such arrangements, however, are not suitable for sectors where roles in security, healthcare and education still require physical presence. Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia Human Resources and Development lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Abdul Rahim Zumrah said decisions on flexible work arrangements should be left to employers as they are best placed to determine their workforce needs to operate effectively. “Malaysian companies generally do not face major issues in implementing flexible work arrangements but workforce planning should remain under employer discretion. “I agree that WFH arrangements could help the government mitigate the impact of rising oil prices by significantly reducing petrol consumption.” Abdul Rahim said workplace dynamics in Asian societies also play a role as many employees value social interaction at work as part of their daily routine.

PASIR GUDANG: The list of candidates for the post of Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner was presented to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said the list comprises qualified individuals. He was speaking to reporters after attending lunch and engaging with the community at Pasar Tani Kekal Permas Jaya yesterday. “There are 120 (names submitted),” Anwar

MACC chief commissioner would be selected by him. Earlier, Anwar also spent time mingling and taking photographs with the local community at Pasar Tani Kekal Permas Jaya and inspecting essential goods on sale. He arrived at 12.33pm and was greeted by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim. Anwar then proceeded to Masjid Bandar Permas Jaya to perform Friday prayers. – Bernama

jokingly responded when asked about the number of candidates submitted for His Majesty’s consideration. He said the shortlist would not be disclosed at this stage and would only be announced later. Sultan Ibrahim and the Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail gave an audience to the prime minister yesterday, according to a post on the HRH Crown Prince of Johor Facebook page. On Thursday, His Majesty said the new

Anwar during the audience with the King yesterday. – PIC COURTESY OF PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE

PM urges private sector to adopt flexible work options

CYBERJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on the private sector to consider implementing flexible work arrangements similar to those practised in the public sector, including work-from-home (WFH). Anwar, who is also Finance minister, said the move could help reduce fuel consumption, ease cost pressures and maintain workforce productivity and morale. “In facing the risk of cost pressures, employers should also be more flexible and pragmatic in managing operations. “The private sector cannot remain comfortable with old methods in a world that has changed. Instead, this is the time to accelerate productivity improvements, increase investment in innovation and automation as well as generate value-added products and sustainability.” He said this in his speech for the launch of the 30th Inland Revenue Board Day celebration. The text of his speech was o ‘Move could help reduce fuel consumption, ease cost pressures and maintain workforce productivity and morale’

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delivered by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. Anwar said the government has also provided the Madani Economy framework and clear policies to elevate the nation’s standing, and as such the private sector must fully seize the space and opportunities created by these reform efforts. “All these aspirations will not become reality without a collective commitment to implement them wholeheartedly.” Referring to the West Asia conflict, Anwar said it has a significant impact not only on regional stability but also on global economy and security. He said the impact on the country would be real if the crisis is not resolved in the near term, and Malaysia would be exposed to more systemic economic effects, for example rising logistics costs. “In these challenging times, the entire government machinery must strengthen governance. Every ringgit must be spent prudently, leakages must be closed and efforts to broaden the revenue base and improve compliance must be intensified.” Last week, theSun reported that the private sector had been urged to follow the government’s lead in embracing WFH arrangements. Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan had said private companies should seriously consider hybrid or remote work models to help reduce both operational and

and employees. “This also saves the government on providing subsidies which can be channelled to other deserving causes,” he said at a dialogue session titled “Work, Wages and Future” on April 17. Ramanan suggested that private firms consider allowing employees to work from home up to three days a week, excluding Mondays and Fridays which he described as key working days, Bernama reported. His remarks came as the federal public sector began implementing its nationwide WFH policy on April 15. Under the policy, federal civil servants in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Selangor and state capitals who live more than 8km from their workplaces are eligible to work from home. However, essential services remain excluded, including security and defence agencies, healthcare personnel and education officers involved in school operations. Employees are required to register their home address in the Human Resource Management Information System. To ensure accountability, officers working remotely are required to use the Spot-Me system, which records attendance through electronic check-ins and geolocation tracking. Staff are also expected to provide regular updates on their tasks throughout the day.