Workers have sacrificed for a long time - MTUC on Employment Act
Mohd Effendy when he was a panelist on the Sinar Live Program titled 'Akta pekerja: Majikan pening, staf bersorak' which took place at Karangkraf Complex, Shah Alam on Wednesday.
Employees in this country have made sacrifices for a long time by accepting salaries that do not match the rising cost of living.
"We must see why we have set the ceiling for overtime claims at RM2000 for many years, but now our employees who are paid RM4,000 in salary could also claim allowances."
"This is because those earning RM4,000 are in the B40 group. The ceiling for overtime claims is way of helping the B40 workers," he added.
Mohd Effendy said this at the Sinar Live Programme entitled 'Akta Pekerja: Majikan Pening, Staf Bersorak" at the Karangkraf Complex here on Wednesday.
Datuk Dr Ameer Ali Mydin, Managing Director of Mydin, was also present at the discussion, which was moderated by Fahiz Ariff.
He added that the 13 amendments implemented under the act were long-term investments for the good of employees, employers, and the government.
This is because, in addition to providing comprehensive protection to all segments of workers, the Act will ensure the country meets the requirements of international trade agreements, which are very important in creating job opportunities in the country, he added.
At the same time, the amendment is also very important because Malaysia is lagging behind other countries in the Southeast Asian region in issues involving welfare and protection for workers.
"The duration of maternity leaves is also the shortest among ASEAN countries. For example, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar have more than 90 days of maternity leave.
"Employees in our country are an asset to employers and the country. So this is an investment and sacrifice employers need to make for long-term benefits," he explained.
In the meantime, he also refuted claims that the amendment will be the main cause for the cost of living to rise in the country.
