Detailed investigation on viral paternity leave case

KOTA KINABALU - The Sabah Labour Department (JTK) is conducting a detailed investigation into a man suffering from trauma following the death of his wife in an incident at a rental house in Penampang.

The issue went viral on social media when the man claimed that he only received two days off when his wife gave birth but the next day, his wife was found dead after he returned from work.

Human Resources Deputy Minister Mustapha Sakmud had requested for JTK Sabah to get accurate information from the employee and employers.

"According to a source from the employer, they had been informed by the employee that his wife has given birth and he was been given paternity leave for two days for related matters in addition to being allowed to take annual leave until all family matters were completed.

"The employer also stated that six days after birth, the employee came to work as usual and informed that morning that his son and wife were in good health but after returning from work, his wife had died while his son was alone.

"The employer informed that assistance and donations had been given to the employee," he said in a statement.

Mustapha said, as a result of further investigation into the employee's leave issue, it was found that the employer had cut the employee's salary for 13 days during the mourning period.

"The salary cut was made because the employee did not apply for any annual leave and until now the employee had not informed the employer when he will work again.

"However, after being advised by the JTK, the employer has withdrawn the deduction and has paid the employee's salary in full even though it is the employee's responsibility to apply for annual leave first if absent from work.

"In addition, according to the law, the employee must work for twelve months in advance to qualify for annual leave. However, on the advice of JTK Sabah, the employer agreed to give paid leave as long as the employee is absent from work.

"I understand that this employee started working with this company for five months, which is from December 2 last year, and was informed that the employee was only present for three days during last May, but the employer still paid the full salary for that month after getting advice from JTK Sabah," he said. .

He also said that the efforts to get a statement from the employee has not been successful as he was still traumatised by the loss of his wife.

"JTK Sabah is still trying to get information from the employee about the actual incident which happened that day.

"However, when contacted, the employee informed that he was still sad and traumatised by the loss of his wife and was still unable to accept what had happened.

"The employee requested JTK Sabah to give him time to calm his mind first before giving any statement on this matter," he said.

In this regard, Mustapha who is also a Member of Parliament for Sepanggar asked netizens not to blame anyone in this incident because the employer is still complying with the Sabah Labor Ordinance (Sabah Chapter 67) while the employee's emotions are still disturbed.

"I have requested for JTK Sabah to assist in this matter and wait for a suitable date to meet with the employee," he said.