LAUNCH OF THE FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENT (FWA) GUIDELINES

(From left) Puan Betty binti Hasan, Deputy Director General JTKSM, Dato' Hajah Norison bt Ramli, Deputy Secretary General KESUMA, YB Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of KESUMA, YB Wong Shu Qi, TalentCorp Board of Directors Chairperson, Mr Sutekno bin Ahmad Belon, Deputy Secretary General KESUMA and Puan Hajah Mahuran Saro Sariki, Sr. Vice President TalentCorp.

1. The Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA) Guidelines launched today is one of the continuous efforts by the Government and the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) to empower employees and assist employers in optimising their human resources and operational costs.

2. In line with the enforcement of the Employment Act 1955 [Amendment] 2022 under sections 60P and 60Q, which grants employees the right to request FWA to meet current needs and adapt to technology, these Guidelines serve as a mechanism for an effective FWA implementation. It contains all essential elements that all parties, especially employees and employers, need to know. This includes the definition of FWA, methods of implementation, application procedures for employees, and the responsibilities of both employees and employers in the FWA implementation process.

3. In addition to the development of such guidelines, KESUMA, through the strategic collaboration of the Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM) and Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp), will continue to provide guidance and support on FWA implementation tailored to the needs of time, place, and target groups.

4. Furthermore, through this collaboration, KESUMA is confident that the information and understanding of the importance of FWA will be disseminated and enhanced among all parties, ultimately fostering a culture of FWA across all fields and forms of employment

YB Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of KESUMA delivered the opening speech during the Launching Ceremony of the Flexible Work Arrangement Guidelines (FWA)

5. JTKSM and TalentCorp have taken proactive steps in promoting FWA, receiving positive responses from industry players and stakeholders. KESUMA remains open to receiving feedback and suggestions for improvement from all involved parties to ensure the continuous enhancement of FWA implementation, meeting the needs of today’s workforce.

6. TalentCorp has consistently supported employers in implementing FWA since 2015, by providing the necessary guidance, information, and facilitation in line with the announcement of the Employment Act 1955 amendments. TalentCorp has also conducted FWA workshops, offering guidance and tools to help companies adapt and implement FWA within their organisations, ensuring that both employers and employees can embrace FWA practices. As of October 2024, a total of 2,826 organisations and 565,210 employees have adopted FWA, demonstrating its transformational potential.

YB Steven Sim Chee Keong together with the FWA Workshop Participants

7. The event was attended by more than 500 participants consisting of industry representatives as well as government departments and agencies who participated in workshops held after the launch of the FWA Guidelines. These workshops provided them with input, information, and toolkits to assist companies in implementing FWA.
8. KESUMA calls on all parties to continue supporting the implementation of FWA to foster a culture of work-life balance, promoting harmony between work and family life.
9. For reference, the FWA Guidelines have also been uploaded to the official websites:

1. KESUMA: (www.mohr.gov.my/index.php/categories/garis-panduan/garis-panduan-perlaksanaan-aturan-kerja-fleksibel-2024)
2. JTKSM: (www.jtksm.mohr.gov.my/ms/penerbitan/garis-panduan)
3. TalentCorp: (www.talentcorp.com.my/resources/publications/garis-panduan-aturan-kerja-fleksibel/)

MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCES

5 DECEMBER 2024