MEF urges careful rollout of WFH during Asean Summit
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) agrees with the government's move to allow employees in the public sector to work from home (WFH) during the 46th Asean Summit but suggests that the implementation be thoroughly considered.
MEF president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said the measure is important to ensure that WFH does not negatively affect business productivity, especially for companies operating in areas involved in the high-profile event.
"MEF believes WFH can help ease traffic congestion during the event, but its implementation must be carefully planned.
ALSO READ: 46th Asean Summit: Road closures and diversions in Klang Valley announced
"Cooperation between the government, employers, employees or unions is essential to ensure a balanced and effective approach," he said on Wednesday (May 21).
"Before WFH is implemented, it is crucial to hold engagement sessions with stakeholders, particularly private businesses and local authorities, to ensure the initiative does not adversely affect productivity for those impacted during the summit."
Syed Hussain said, however, the WFH implementation in the private sector could face challenges as not all employers have efficient, flexible work management systems.
"If businesses cannot operate physically, small and medium enterprises such as restaurants, transportation and nearby services may suffer losses.
"Therefore, WFH implementation must align with each company's capacity and needs, including in terms of technology, data security and employee performance monitoring,' he said.
ALSO READ: Civil servants apply for WFH during Asean Summit
He also said the government's move to allow WFH during the summit reflects a prudent approach, showing that the government continues to function normally while temporarily adjusting to support the success of the international event.
"If implemented well, this WFH initiative could serve as a stepping stone for a broader hybrid work policy in the public sector.
"It aligns with global trends that recognise work-life balance and the use of technology to improve public service efficiency,' he said.
On May 7, the Public Service Department (PSD) announced that civil servants expected to be affected by traffic congestion during the summit, which begins with senior officials' meetings on Friday (May 23), are encouraged to apply for WFH.
PSD said in line with the government's commitment to strengthening public service continuity and the well-being of the people, WFH implementation for civil servants would continue to be carried out flexibly and subject to current regulations.
ALSO READ: Asean Summit: 71 schools in S'gor, KL allowed to carry out online learning from May 26 to 28, says ministry
On May 15, PSD director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz said several ministries, agencies and departments had started receiving WFH applications from civil servants.
He did not reveal the number of applications received but stated that some had already been approved.
Meanwhile, Putrajaya Indian Civil Servants Association (Imaiyam) chairman Dr Sathiskumar K. Muthusamy said the WFH approach strengthens work-life balance for civil servants and presents Malaysia as a country that supports modern, family-friendly and resilient work practices.
On whether or not WFH would reduce work productivity, he said that for the most part, public servants are already familiar and skilled with digital systems.
"In some cases, productivity increases because of fewer disruptions, such as time lost in traffic congestion, which in turn leads to more flexible time management.
"WFH can also be seen as an opportunity to prove the ability to work flexibly without compromising service quality,' said the senior occupational health medical officer at Hospital Putrajaya.
The summit will see ministerial-level meetings on Sunday (May 25), while the leaders' summit will commence the following day.
Themed "Inclusivity and Sustainability", the summit aims to serve as a foundation for regional and global engagement. Malaysia is committed to strengthening Asean centrality, fostering economic cooperation and championing the principles of inclusivity and sustainability. – Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysia remains steadfast, becomes catalyst in regional diplomacy
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia remains steadfast in facing various global challenges and continues to play a role as the catalyst and leader of regional diplomacy through its ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said although the world is facing various challenges, including geopolitical tensions and trade tariffs, Malaysia remains firmly anchored. 'Malaysia is among the earliest countries to act in protecting the interests of industry and businesses and the welfare of the people. 'Comprehensive and inclusive strategic measures have been taken, with the involvement of various parties to ensure the country remains economically stable and competitive,' he said. Anwar said this in his congratulatory speech at the 2025 Federal Awards, Medals and Honours conferment ceremony in conjunction with the birthday of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, at Istana Negara today. The ceremony was graced by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia. Also present were the Prime Minister's wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul and Dewan Negara president Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah. The Prime Minister also described this year's ASEAN Summit as the best in the history of ASEAN, when Malaysia as Chairman brought together three giant continents, namely the Gulf States or Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), China and ASEAN to ensure the survival of civilisation and spur the economy of the people and the country. 'The ASEAN Summit and the hosting of LIMA (Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition) very much proved that the spirit of teamwork is the key to fulfilling the aspirations and ambitions of the country. 'The excellence of the Malaysian Armed Forces in Langkawi and the magnificence of PDRM (Royal Malaysia Police) and the entire government machinery as well as the private sector in Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur were simply amazing,' said the Prime Minister. He also expressed confidence that Visit Malaysia 2026 will be a new catalyst for economic growth and the proliferation of employment opportunities. In addition, Anwar said the increase in agro-agricultural yields and local products, Malaysian-made goods and the resilience of the domestic industry continue to be the pillars that strengthen the country's economy. 'The people's undivided support for these initiatives demonstrates high national spirit and awareness of the importance of self-reliance during these uncertain global challenges,' he said.
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
M'sia remains steadfast, becomes catalyst in regional diplomacy
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia remains steadfast in facing various global challenges and continues to play a role as the catalyst and leader of regional diplomacy through its ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said although the world is facing various challenges, including geopolitical tensions and trade tariffs, Malaysia remains firmly anchored. 'Malaysia is among the earliest countries to act in protecting the interests of industry and businesses and the welfare of the people. 'Comprehensive and inclusive strategic measures have been taken, with the involvement of various parties to ensure the country remains economically stable and competitive,' he said. Anwar said this in his congratulatory speech at the 2025 Federal Awards, Medals and Honours conferment ceremony in conjunction with the birthday of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, at Istana Negara today. The ceremony was graced by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia. Also present were the Prime Minister's wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul and Dewan Negara president Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah. The Prime Minister also described this year's ASEAN Summit as the best in the history of ASEAN, when Malaysia as Chairman brought together three giant continents, namely the Gulf States or Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), China and ASEAN to ensure the survival of civilisation and spur the economy of the people and the country. 'The ASEAN Summit and the hosting of LIMA (Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition) very much proved that the spirit of teamwork is the key to fulfilling the aspirations and ambitions of the country. 'The excellence of the Malaysian Armed Forces in Langkawi and the magnificence of PDRM (Royal Malaysia Police) and the entire government machinery as well as the private sector in Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur were simply amazing,' said the Prime Minister. He also expressed confidence that Visit Malaysia 2026 will be a new catalyst for economic growth and the proliferation of employment opportunities. In addition, Anwar said the increase in agro-agricultural yields and local products, Malaysian-made goods and the resilience of the domestic industry continue to be the pillars that strengthen the country's economy. 'The people's undivided support for these initiatives demonstrates high national spirit and awareness of the importance of self-reliance during these uncertain global challenges,' he said.
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Malaysia to continue leading role in regional diplomacy, says PM
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will remain steadfast in the face of global challenges and continue to play its role as the catalyst and leader of regional diplomacy through the Asean 2025 Chairmanship, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said the country is firmly anchored amid challenges such as geopolitical tensions and trade tariffs. "Malaysia is among the earliest countries to act in protecting the interests of industry and businesses and the welfare of the people. "Comprehensive and inclusive strategic measures have been taken, with the involvement of various parties to ensure the country remains economically stable and competitive," he said in his congratulatory speech in conjunction with the official birthday of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, here on Monday (June 2). His Majesty also presented federal awards, medals and honours to recipients at the 2025 Investiture Ceremony held to commemorate the occasion. Also in attendance was Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia. The Prime Minister described the recent 46th Asean Summit as the best in the grouping's history, where Malaysia as the Chairman successfully brought together member nations as well as China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. "The Asean Summit and the organisation of Lima'25 (Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition) prove that teamwork is the key to our efforts to make the nation's aspirations and ambitions a reality. "The excellence of the Malaysian Armed Forces in Langkawi as well as the greatness of the PDRM (Royal Malaysian Police) and the entire government and private machinery in Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur are impressive," said the Prime Minister. He also expressed confidence that Visit Malaysia Year 2026 would be a catalyst for economic growth and to increase job opportunities. In addition, Anwar said increasing agricultural yields and local products, Malaysian-made goods and the resilience of the domestic industry continue to be pillars that strengthen the country's economy. "The people's unwavering support for these initiatives shows high national spirit and awareness of the importance of self-reliance amid the uncertain global situation," he said.
