MEF SUPPORTS WFH FOR ASEAN SUMMIT, URGES CAREFUL ROLLOUT

By Thivyamalini Ramalu

PUTRAJAYA, May 21 (Bernama) -- 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 ASEAN Summit but suggested 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. Cooperation between the government, employers, employees or unions is essential to ensure a balanced and effective approach.

“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 ASEAN Summit,” he told Bernama.

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.

He also said that 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 46th ASEAN Summit, which begins with senior officials' meetings on May 23, are encouraged to apply for WFH.

PSD said in line with the MADANI 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.

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 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 due to 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 Putrajaya Hospital.

The 46th ASEAN Summit will begin with senior officials’ meetings on May 23, followed by ministerial-level meetings on May 25, while the leaders’ summit will commence on May 26.

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