Your employees are your number one best asset, and no boss should lose sight of that here in Malaysia. Like any other country in the world, when it comes to employment law, it can become somewhat complicated, but ignorance is no defence as far as the Malaysian government is concerned. This is why every boss, business manager and business owner here in the country needs to educate themselves about the many employment laws that are on the books, and that need to be followed.
If you don’t have a good understanding employment law in Malaysia, you may fall on the wrong side of the law, and your business could be hit with a substantial fine. In some cases, it can lead to your business being taken to the law courts, and that is a road that you just don’t want to have to go down in the first place. There are a number of providers that can guide you through the employment law, and they can find you the right people, so that you don’t have to really get involved in the whole thing at all.
The following are some of the things that every boss in Malaysia needs to know and understand about the employment laws.
- Workers get maternity leave – This is not up for negotiation, and you, as the boss, should know this already. Every employee is entitled to a certain amount of paid time off, to have their baby and to bond with him or her afterwards. You also need to know that if someone is incredibly ill, they will qualify for essential leave as well. If you have a human resources department, do not get involved when an employee tells you that they will be taking maternity or sick leave. Point them in the direction of HR, and they will handle it.
- Workers with disabilities – It is crucial that you do not discriminate against anyone who has any kind of disability in the workplace. You also must not use this as a reason for not hiring them in the first place. It is within employment laws here in Malaysia that you must be reasonable when it comes to accommodating an employee with a disability. Try to fight the urge to say no and try to say yes when it comes to accommodating disabled applicants.
- Be aware of age discrimination – When it comes to hiring the best employee, you give them the job based on their qualifications and not on their age. This works both ways, and so you can’t discriminate against someone because they are too young, or someone who you feel is too old for the position. Nobody expects you to be an expert in such things, so try to use your common sense whenever possible.
All bosses here in Malaysia need to educate themselves on the various employment laws that are currently in existence. If you’re not sure, refer the case to the HR department and let them handle it.
