KUALA LUMPUR: The "work-from-home" directive for public and private sector employees needs to be expanded in greater detail to avoid any confusion or worse, stunt efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Malaysian Employers Federation executive director Datuk Shamsuddin Bardan said "work from home" had become part of the new norm as it could limit the spread of the virus in the long term by minimising human contact.
"I believe the work-from-home directive applies to all those working in offices, not just those at the management level.
"The government's directive today (yesterday) appears unclear on whether it involves management or senior staff only.
"Do clerks need to go to the office? If so, why? This is what we need to examine with regard to purpose, meaning and what the actual instructions are. To me, working from home is the best way to curb the spread of Covid-19," he told Berita Harian.
The decision, set to take effect tomorrow, was announced by Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob at a press conference yesterday.
This is set to affect almost a million people in Putrajaya, Selangor, Lumpur, Sabah and Labuan.
On the need to test staff for Covid-19, Shamsuddin said the authorities must provide a detailed explanation on the cost and process to avoid polemics.
"This directive will involve some 10 per cent of public and private sector workers and will definitely affect operations of companies within CMCO areas.
"What we are hoping for is a clear explanation on who is bearing the cost. The same issue cropped up during the previous CMCO, with Sosco (Social Security Organisation) instructed to pay for the tests.
"In the end, it was only limited to the construction and security sectors and not even nationwide. An explanation is welcome to avoid confusion."
The Congress of Union of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) said the work- from-home directive was timely given the rise in Covid-19 cases.
Its president, Adnan Mat, said it would allow parents to stay home with their children as childcare centres and schools would also be closed.
"This working arrangement can minimise employee movement. There should be no problem as we did it when the Movement Control Order was imposed in March."
The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) said the government should review laws to integrate the work from home approach.
MTUC president Datuk Abdul Halim Mansor said feedback from workers had been positive since work from home was introduced in March.
"The flexibility benefits workers, especially parents, in saving money on daycare and transportation."
However, he said, while workers were now more prepared to work from home, there had been complaints of employment contract violations, including employees having benefits reduced.
"The government should review the laws, including the Employment Act 1955, on working hours and rest, among others, as well as insurance coverage that should be extended to homes that are now considered a workspace.
"Companies must also break away from the old mentality of requiring staff to be physically at the workplace and look into ways to provide assistance to ensure staff can work without hindrance.
"Companies can also save cost with work from home in terms of office space, utility bills and travel expenses, among others."
He said employees must in turn have a good work ethic and discipline when working from home, which will strengthen trust between employers and staff.
He said workers being able to work remotely would be a plus point to attract foreign investors as productivity would not be an issue during emergencies.