employment laws in malaysia

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Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak “Employment Laws in Malaysia” Presented by Adnan Seman (KLCP109039) Kevin Koo Seng Kiat (KLCP109034) For QGM 6013 Human Resource Management Course Leader: Prof Dr Saeed bin Siddiq Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

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Employment Laws in MalaysiaPresentation prepared by Kevin Koo Seng Kiat and Adnan Seman for Masters of Management class at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak.

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Page 1: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

“Employment Laws in Malaysia”Presented by

Adnan Seman (KLCP109039)Kevin Koo Seng Kiat (KLCP109034)

ForQGM 6013 Human Resource ManagementCourse Leader: Prof Dr Saeed bin Siddiq

Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

Page 2: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

Outline of Presentation

Part 1: Hiring

Part 2: Firing

Part 3: Other Stuff

Page 3: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

Part 1: Hiring

1.Contract2.Workers3.Employers

Page 4: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

1.0. Contract

What forms the basic relationshipbetween employee and employer?

Page 5: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

1.1 Contract for Service● No Employer-Employee Relationship● Self-employed, freelancer, independent contractor● Example: Blackwater (mercenaries for US Army)

Page 6: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

1.2 Contract of Service● Defined in s. 2 Employment Act 1955● Any agreement, oral or in writing, express of

implied, whereby– One person agrees to employ another person as

employee– The second person agrees to serve his employer as

employee– Includes an apprenticeship contract

Page 7: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

1.3 Apprenticeship Contract● A written contract by a person with an employer

who– Undertakes to employ the person and– Train or have him trained systematically for a trade– For a period of not less than 2 years– During which the apprentice works in the employer's

service.

Page 8: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

1.4. Contract “For” vs “Of” Service:

● Control Test: Control of employer over employee.● Independence Test: Employee's independence in

his/her job.● Integration Test: How integral is the job to the

business operation● Economic Reality Test: Degree employee relies on

the job for survival

Page 9: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

1.5. Employer● Any person who enters into a contract to employ

another person as employee● Includes the agent, manager or factor of the

employee.

Page 10: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

1.6. Employee● First Schedule, Employment Act 1955:

– Person employed by employer, with wages less than RM1,550 per month.

– Person who, irrespective of wages, enters contract of service for:

● Manual labour, including artisan / apprentice● Operating / Maintaining vehicle for passengers /

goods / reward / commercial purposes● Supervises & oversees other employees engaged in

manual labour.● Engaged in a vessel in any capacity (conditions)

Page 11: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

1.7. Wages● Basic wages and all other payments in cash

– Payable to employee for work done for his contract of service

– Does not include:● Accomodation, food, fuel, light, water, medical

attendance, approved amenity / service● Contribution paid to pension fund, provident fund,

superannuation, retrenchment, termination, lay-off, retirement, thrift scheme, and other funds established for employee welfare.

● Travelling allowance

Page 12: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

1.7. Wages (continued)● Sum payable to employee to defray special expenses

by nature of his employment● Gratuity payable on discharge or retirement● Annual bonus (or part thereof)

Page 13: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

1.8. Elements of the Contract● Ready Mixed Concrete (South East) Ltd v Minister

of Pensions & National Insurance [1968] 2 QB 497:– Company hire-purchase scheme allowed employees

to purchase lorries.– The terms of the scheme required the employee to

carry concrete for the company.– The contract referred to the employee as an

“independent contractor”.– Employee had to paint his lorry in company colours

and wear company uniform.

Page 14: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

1.8 – Elements of Contract of Service● The lorry driver was a “small businessman”, not an

employee.● A “contract of service” exists, if:

– The servant agrees, for wage or other remuneration, to provide work and skill in performing his service for the master

– The servant agrees, expressly or impliedly, in performing the service, he is subject to the master's control to a degree sufficient to make him master

– Other terms of the contract are consistent with a contract of service.

Page 15: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

1.10. Terms● Implied Terms

– Business efficacy test – based on necessity, terms which “must have been intended at all events by both parties who are business men”

– Officious bystander test – If a term is “something so obvious that it goes without saying”

● Employer's Duties– Duty to Provide Work - “a skilled man takes pride in

his work. He does not do it merely to earn money. He does it so as to make his contribution to the well-being of all.”

Page 16: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

1.10 Terms (Cont'd)– Duty to exercise care – i.e. providing a safe place for

employee to work.● Traditionally understood as physical health● Modern jurists include mental health

● Employee's Duties– Good faith – duty to protect confidential information

and trade secrets of employer● Implied Duty of Mutual Trust and Confidence

– Employer must not destroy or damage employer-employee relationship through actions

Page 17: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

1.10. Terms (Cont'd)● Express terms that can be included in a contract:

– Job title– Wages and details of other monetary payments such

as allowances and bonus– Normal working hours– Holiday and leave entitlements– Probationary period– Notice period for termination– Retirement Age

Page 18: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

1.11 Restraint of Trade● Section 28 of Contracts Act 1950 prohibits restraint

of trade clauses except if:– The person who is selling the goodwill of a business

agrees not to enter a similar business;– The partners in a business that will be dissolved

agree not to enter a similar business; and– The partners in a business agree not to enter any

other business than the one they are in.

Page 19: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

2.0. Worker

Some things about the employee

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Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

2.1 Probationer● Probationary employees enjoy the same rights as

permanent or confirmed employees and cannot be dismissed without just cause or excuse.

– Khaliah bte Abbas v Pesaka Capital Corp Sdn Bhd [1997] 1 MLJ 376

– Probationers should not be dismissed during the probationary period, except for misconduct or redundancy.

– Probationers performance should be monitored and appraised. If performance is not satisfactory, warning should be given.

Page 21: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

2.2 Employee● Some categories:

● Manual labourers● Domestic servants● Part Time Employees● Supervisors● Casual Workers● Outworkers● Directors● Probationers● Foreign employees

Page 22: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

2.3. Workman● ...means any person, including an apprentice,

employed by an employer under a contract of employment to work for hire or reward ...

– ... for the purposes of any proceedings in relation to a trade dispute includes any such person who has been dismissed, discharged or retrenched

– Section 2, Industrial Relations Act 1967● May or may not include a Director of a company.

– Kuan Shin @ Kuan Nyong Hin v Chin Foh Trading Sdn Bhd (Award 364 of 2012)

Page 23: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

2.3. Workman● “... it is incorrect to state … that a company director

can never be a workman. An examination of the functions of the claimant is always necessary to decide the question.”

– Hoh Kiang Ngan v Mahkamah Perusahaan Malaysia & Anor [1995] 3 MLJ 369

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Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

2.4 Deductions from Wages● Deductions from employees' wages:

– Allowed up to 50% unless it includes repayment of housing loan (then it may be 75% of wages)

● Employer may lawfully deduct:– To recover overpaid wages in preceding 3 months;– To pay to Employees Provident Fund, Employees

Social Security Organization and Inland Revenue Board; and

– To recover advances where no interest in charged.

Page 25: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

2.5. Hours of Work● The maximum hours that can be required of an

employee are 8 hours a day.– This can be increased to 12 hours with overtime.

● If employee is not required to work 6 days a week, maximum hours (without overtime) can be increased to 9 hours a day.

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Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

2.5. Hours of Work● If employee works on rest day:

– If he works <50% of his normal hours, he is paid one day's wages

– If he works >50% of his normal hours, he is paid two days' wages

Page 27: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

2.6. Wages● If an employer fails to pay an employee wages, the

employer breaks the contract of service.● Section 15(1), Employment Act 1955.

● Employee cannot recover wages from employer for time spent in prison or attending court.

● Section 23 Employment Act 1955.● Wages must be paid in legal tender (money).

● Section 25(1), Employment Act 1955.● Wages must be paid by the 7th of the month.

● Section 19, Employment Act 1955

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Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

2.7. Bonus● Contractual

– Counts as deferred salary, because employee is promised the salary in the contract.

● Non-contractual– Is a discretion of the employer and based on profit

● “Once annual bonus is made contractual by the parties, the court will not make it discretionary, if it is paid to employees at company's discretion the court will not make it contractual”

● Award No. 42 of 1988, Industrial Court of Malaysia

Page 29: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

2.8. Minimum Wage● The Malaysian government is going to implement a

minimum wage policy which will be announced on 1st May 2012.

● Workers need to be paid at least the minimum wage.● Malaysia passed the Minimum Wage Act in 2011.

Page 30: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

2.9. Rest Days, Public Holidays● Every employee is entitled to one whole rest day per

week.– Section 59(1) Employment Act 1955

● Employees are entitled to paid holidays:– On 10 gazetted public holidays, including:

● National Day (31st August)● Birthday of Yang Di-Pertuan Agong● Birthday of Ruler or Yang Di-Pertuan Negeri● Workers Day

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2.9. Rest Days & Public Holidays– On any other day declared as a public holiday under

s. 8 Holidays Act 1951● Section 60D(1) Employment Act 1955

● Employee is not entitled to holiday pay if:– He is absent on the working day immediately before,

or immediately after, the public holiday(s)– Or the day(s) substituted for the public holiday(s)– Without the prior consent of the Employer.

● Section 60D(2) Employment Act 1955

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Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

2.10 Hospitalization & Sick Leave● After examination by a doctor appointed by the

Employer, a worker is entitled to paid sick leave:– If no hospitalization is required:

● Between 14 to 22 days in each calendar year, depending on the duration he has been employed.

– If hospitalization is required:● 60 days in each calendar year.

● Paid sick leave also allowed after examination by a dental surgeon.

– Section 60F(1) and (2), Employment Act

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Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

2.10. Hospitalization & Sick Leave● Employee is absent from work without permission

if:– He is absent on sick leave which is not from a

registered medical practitioner / medical officer / dental surgeon under s. 60F(1)

– He complies with s. 60F(1) but fails to inform employer of sick leave within 48 hours.

– Section 60F(2) Employment Act 1955.

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Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

2.11. Annual Leave● Employee is entitled to paid annual leave:

– 8 days for every 12 months of continuous service (if employed for less than 2 years)

– 12 days for every 12 months of continuous service (if employed between 2 to 5 years)

– 16 days for every 12 months of continuous service (if employed for more than 5 years)

– In addition to rest days and paid holidays!– Sections 60E(1) and (1A), Employment Act 1955

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2.12. Maternity Leave● Female employees are entitled to maternity leave of

60 or more days for each confinement period.● Section 37(1) Employment Act 1955

● Female employees are entitled to maternity allowance if:

– She was employed at any time in the 4 months before confinement;

– She was employed for 90 days in the 9 months before confinement

● Section 37(2) Employment Act 1955

Page 36: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

2.12. Maternity Leave● Female employee must inform employer:

– If she is leaving the employer and knows she will be confined within 4 months → Before leaving

– If she is not leaving → Within 60 days before expected confinement together with date maternity leave starts

● Section 40(1) & (2) Employment Act 1955● Employer cannot terminate her for being absent up

to 90 days after Maternity Leave period● Section 42(1) Employment Act 1955

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Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

2.13. Foreign Employees● Employer who employs foreign employees must

inform Director-General within 14 days.– Section 60K(1) Employment Act 1955

● D-G can look into complaint of discrimination:– A local employee complaining that he is

discriminated against in relation to a foreign employee;

– A foreign employee complaining that he is discriminated against in relation to a local employee

Page 38: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

2.13. Foreign Employees– D-G may issue directive to employer to resolve it.

● Section 60L(1) Employment Act 1955● Employer cannot terminate local employee merely

to employ foreign employee.– Section 60M, Employment Act 1955

● Employer who wishes to reduce redundancy must terminate foreign employees first before terminating local employees.

– Section 60N, Employment Act 1955

Page 39: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

2.14. Absence Without Leave● Employee is deemed to break contract of service if

he is continuously absent for more than two consecutive working days without prior leave.

– Section 15(2), Employment Act 1955

Page 40: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

2.15. Termination Benefits● In a normal termination of contract:

– Wages less lawful deductions, which are earned but not yet paid, shall be paid to the employee

– Not later than the day on the termination of the contract.

● Section 20, Employment Act 1955● If contract is terminated without notice:

– As above, but includes additionally the indemnity payable to the employee.

● Section 21(1), Employment Act 1955.

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2.16. Retirement● Where a contract of employment did not state the

retirement age, employer's later introduction of a retirement age clause is illegal.

– Sports Toto Malaysia S/B v Chong Keat Chin (1995) ILR 742

● Where employee was told he could work “as long as he wanted”, a retirement policy introduced after entering employment contract was illegal.

– Dr Satwant Singh Gill v Hospital Assunta [1998] 4 CLJ 47

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2.17. Non-Renewal of Contract● Fixed duration contract

– Employment contracts may be drawn for a fixed period with a determined beginning and end.

– After expiry, the contract terminates by itself without any expectation of reinstatement.

– In some cases, there is an expectation of renewal due to continuing renewal of contracts.

– Courts have held that continuous renewal can create expectation and non-renewal means dismissal.

Page 43: Employment Laws in Malaysia

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2.17. Non-Renewal of Contract● Example cases – Claims dismissed.

– Teacher employed on year-to-year basis, contract not renewed after 5th year. Claim dismissed.

● Zahir b Abdullah v Lang Education Sdn Bhd (Award 210 of 2010.)

– Employer policy- to employ until age 60, after that employment on a year-to-year basis. Employee aged 60 in 2000, employed year-to-year basis until 2005. Claim dismissed.

● Thavaratnam a/l Thambipillay v OM Education Sdn Bhd (Award 334 of 2010)

Page 44: Employment Laws in Malaysia

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2.17. Non-Renewal of Contract● Example cases – Amounting to Dismissal

– 35 teachers employed on fixed term contracts did not have contracts renewed. Dismissal found. Reinstatement ordered.

● Han Chiang High School / Penang Han Chiang Associated Chinese Schools Association and National Union of Teachers in Independent Schools in West Malaysia [1988] 2 ILR 612.

– Employee on 3 year contracts, served employer for 9 years. Non-renewal amounted to dismissal, backwages ordered.

● Innoprise Corporation Sdn Bhd v Sukumaran Vanugopal [1993] ILR 373

Page 45: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

3.0. Employer

Some things about the employer

Page 46: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

3.1. Management & Union● “Trade Union” is defined as “any trade union

registered under any law relating to the registration of trade unions”.

– Section 2, Industrial Relations Act 1967● A trade union must be recognised by the employer

to represent the workers.– If an employer is approached but refuses to recognise

the trade union, the union must report in writing to the Director General of Industrial Relations

● Section 9(4) Industrial Relations Act

Page 47: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

3.1. Management & Union● The Director-General may refer the matter to the

Minister, who may decide that the Employer should recognise the trade union.

– Section 9(5), Industrial Relations Act 1967● Trade unions exist for employees and employers.● Collective agreements are in writing and usually

valid for three years or more.– Section 14(1) and (2)(b), Industrial Relations Act

Page 48: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

3.2. Right to Hire, Fire and Transfer– “No trade union of workmen may include in its

proposal for a collective agreement....:a)The promotion by an employer of any workmanb)The transfer by an employer of any workmanc)The employment by an employer of any persond)The termination by an employer of the services of a

workmane)The dismissal and reinstatement of a workman by an

employerf)The assignment or allocation by an employer of duties

or specific tasks to a workman➢ Section 13(3) Industrial Relations Act 1967

Page 49: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

3.3. Right to Terminate & Dismiss● If there is employee misconduct, employer may,

after due inquiry,– Dismiss the employee without notice;– Downgrade employee;– Impose lesser punishment, and if wages are

suspended, the maximum period is two weeks.● Section 14(1) Employment Act 1955

Page 50: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

3.4. Termination & Notice● Contracts of service must be in writing and have a

provision for termination of contract.● Section 10, Employment Act 1955

● Contract of service for specific period of time or for work will terminate when the time is up or when the work is done.

● Section 11, Employment Act 1955● Either employer or employee can terminate contract

by giving notice.● Section 12(1), Employment Act 1955

Page 51: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

3.4. Termination & Notice● Depending on the duration employee has been

employed, the notice is between 4-8 weeks.– Section 12(2), Employment Act 1955

● Notice of termination must be written– Section 12(4), Employment Act 1955

● Contract can be terminated without notice (or short notice) but indemnity sum must be paid to other party for wages accrued during notice period.

– Section 13(1), Employment Act 1955

Page 52: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

Part 2: Firing

1.Performance Appraisal2.Employee Misconduct3.Dismissal4.Unfair Dismissal5.Constructive Dismissal

Page 53: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

1.0. Performance Appraisal

Page 54: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

1.1. Dismissal for Poor Performance● An employee must be given warning and a chance

to improve before he is dismissed for poor performance.

● Every employer should have a clear procedure so that managers and supervisors can handle employees with poor performance.

– Identifying and diagnosing performance problems– Counselling employees– Drafting warning letters

Page 55: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

1.1. Dismissal for Poor Performance● “An employer should be very slow to dismiss upon

the ground that the employee is found to be unsatisfactory in his performance or incapable of performing the work which he is employed to do without first telling the employee of the respects in which he is failing to do his job adequately, warning him of the possibility or likelihood of dismissal on this ground and giving him an opportunity of improving his performance.”

– Award No. 39 of 1987, Industrial Court of Malaysia

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Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

1.2. Burden & Standard of Proof– “Where representations are made and referred to the

Industrial Court for enquiry, it is the duty of that court to determine whether the termination or dismissal is with or without just cause or excuse. If the employer chooses to give a reason … the duty of the Industrial Court will be to enquire whether that excuse or reason has or has not been made out. If it finds as a fact that it has not been proved, then the inevitable conclusion must be that the termination or dismissal was without just cause or excuse.”

● Goon Kwee Phoy v J&P Coats (M) Bhd [1981] 1 LNS 30

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1.2. Burden & Standard of Proof● The burden of proof is on the respondent (i.e. the

Employer), the standard of proof being one of a balance of probabilities.

– Telekom Malaysia Kawasan Utara v Krishnan Kutty a/l Sanguni Nair & Anor [2002] 3 CLJ 314

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1.3. Domestic Inquiry● An employer can only justify disciplinary action:

– On grounds in the show cause or charge sheet; and– The conclusions of the domestic inquiry.

● A show cause letter is usually given:– After warning letters (poor performance) or– After serious misconduct.

● The show cause letter will set the agenda for the Domestic Inquiry.

Page 59: Employment Laws in Malaysia

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1.3. Domestic Inquiry● An investigation conducted by the employer to

establish facts of a misconduct. – Section 14(1) of the Employment Act 1955

● If misconduct is found, employer may:– Dismiss an employee without notice on grounds of

misconduct; or– Down-grade the employee; or– Impose other lesser punishment as deemed just and fit,

including suspending wages up to two weeks.

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2.0. Employee MisconductThe dictionary meaning of the word ‘misconduct’ are improper behaviour, intentional wrong doing or deliberate violation of a rule or standard of behaviour. Insofar as the relationship of industrial employment is concerned, a workman has certain express or implied obligations towards his employer. Any conduct on the part of an employee inconsistent with the faithful discharge of his duties, or any breach of the express or implied duties of an employee towards his employer would constitute an act of misconduct.

Liew Ken & Ors and Malayan Thung Pau BhdIndustrial Court Award 37 of 1974

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2.1. Sexual Harassment

Restaurnt manager harassing cocktail attendee.

S.Sivalingam v Northern Telekom Industry Sdn. Bhd. Penang[1980] 1 ILR 96

Alleged molestation of the cleaning woman in the toilet by her supervisor

Dismissal of the supervisor not upheld for want of corroborative evidence.

Lam Soon (M) Bhd v Cik Chong Siew Yuan [1986] 1 ILR 1425

Victimised for rejecting the amorous advances of her supervisor

Dismisal of the supervisor not upheld for want of corroborative evidence.

Plaat Rubber Sdn. Bhd v Goh Chok Guan [Award no.30 of 1995] [1995] 1 ILR 79.

Case of a Male worker peeping into the female toilet from the opening in the ceiling

Dismisal upheld on the ground that it was an imoral act.

Insco Sdn. Bhd v Swan Hui Mooi [Award no 195 of 1995] [1995] 1 ILR 685

Victimised by her boss for not continuing her personal involvement with him after she found a new boy friend.

Dismisal of the female account executive was held unjust.

Pamol Plantation Sdn Bhd, Johor v Lim Cheng Guan [Award no 183 of 1998]; [1998] 1 ILR 410.

Outrageous behavior of the supervisor towards a married woman subordinate.

Dismisal of the supervisor upheld on the basis of coroborative evidence.

The Project Leburaya Utara Selatan Bhd v Azahar Ahmad [Award no 183 of 1998]; [1998] 2 ILR 51.

Harrasement of the female subordinate by the toll plaza supervisor.

Dismisal of the supervisor upheld on the basis of coroborative evidence

Aru Hotel Sdn. Bhd v Eble Stanislaus [1998] 1 LNS 403.

Side stepped sexual harassement allegation but upheld the dismissal of the manager on some other ground.

Shangri-La-Hotel v Leow Yoke Sim [Award o 475 of 1995]; [1995] 2 ILR 847.

Female masseuse in the hotel health club soliciting clients for sexual favours for a price.

Her dismisal was upheld on the basis of written complaints of foreign clients.

Melewar Corporation Bhd v Abu Osman [Award no 378 of 1994]; [1994] 2 ILR 807

Complaint by five female employees of physical molestation by the Group Human Resoure Managemer

The managers demotion and transfer were upheld in an ex-parte decision.

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2.2. Conflict of Interest– Diverting business away from employer and causing

loss to employer● Bukit Ritan Realty Sdn Bhd v Doris Melanie

Perayasamy [2003] 1 ILR 1– Enticing / Inducing other employees / potential

employees to work elsewhere● Safeguards Corporation Bhd v Mohamad Ali Hj

Abdullah [2003] 1 ILR 14– Lecturer recruiting students for rival college

● Inti College Sarawak v Hardeep Singh Sidhu [2000] 3 ILR 112

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2.3. Insubordination– “Go-slow” attitude resulting in work not completed

on time● Koperasi Telekom Malaysia Bhd v Sengam @

Nadeson s/o Marie [1984] 2 ILR 599– Threatening or intimidating a superior

● Torita Rubber Works Sdn Bhd v V Maniarsm a/l Veerasamy [1995] 2 ILR 293

– Any act of employee that exhibits lack of respect for employer or superior e.g. bad / foul language

● Walters v Top Crists Foods Ltd [1972] IRLR 108

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2.4. Theft & Dishonesty● Passing trade secrets to a competitor● Embezzlement of funds● Skimming i.e. stealing unrecorded sales● False disbursements / expenses claims● Unauthorised use of company equipment● False purchases / sales● Theft of 42 cheques

● RHB Bank Bhd v Ramnain Tani [2006] 2 ILR 1356

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2.4. Theft & Dishonesty (cont'd)● False quotations

– Maybank Johor v Mohd Najib Salim [1997] 3 ILR 435

● Theft of co-employee's property– Fraser & Neave (M) S/B v Mad Isa Hamid [1995] 1

CLJ 1234● Making any false representation

– Penang Adventist Hospital v Valaithum a/l Suppiah Penang [1993] 1 ILR 184

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2.5. Misrepresentation● Representing that she had “SPM” when she had

“PMR” only– Kids Island Education Management (M) S/B v Rita

Davaderi Stevenson [2006] 4 ILR 2314● Employee withheld information that she was

dismissed from previous job– Hunter v Sorensen Group (Unreported, NZ Award

325 of 2003)

Page 67: Employment Laws in Malaysia

Presentation on Employment Laws at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

3.1. Dismissal● Dismissal should be with “just cause and excuse”

– “When the Industrial Court is dealing with a reference under s. 20, the first thing that the court will have to do is ask itself a question whether there was a dismissal, and if so, whether it was with or without just cause and excuse.”

● Wong Chee Hong v Cathay Organisation (M) Sdn Bhd [1988] 1 MLJ 94

Page 68: Employment Laws in Malaysia

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3.1. Dismissal● Claimant worked as Export Sales Executive. He

signed a voucher for receipt of USD9,313.80 while at Kenya, but did not bring back the money. The domestic inquiry found that claimant was negligent not in signing the voucher, but in failing to bring back the money.

– Goodway Rubber Industries S/B Mugunthan Damodaran , Industrial Court Award 631 of 2007

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3.2. Show Cause Letter● If there is a prima facie case against the employee,

the employer may issue a “show cause letter” to demand an explanation from employee.

● The employee may respond.● If employer is not satisfied with the explanation,

employer may proceed for domestic inquiry.– KJJ Cleetus v Unipamol (Malaya) S/B Kluang,

Industrial Court Award No. 66 of 1975

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3.3. Letter for Domestic Inquiry● The letter should have the following details:

– Specific charge of the offence: date, time, place, where it took place.

– Rules and Regulations which have been violated.– Date, time, place for the inquiry.– Right to bring witness(es) if any.– Suspension of no more than one (1) week.

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3.4. Domestic Inquiry Panel● A panel should be set up for the domestic inquiry,

comprising:– Chairman (not involved in investigating the offence)– 2 independent panel members (employees from other

departments)– Prosecutor (personnel from HR department).

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3.5. Small Companies● A panel is required for the Domestic Inquiry. A

problem arises if the company is too small.● The company could:

– Seek assistance from business associates who are familiar with domestic inquiry to assist.

– Engage a business consulting firm to advise and assist in conducting the domestic inquiry.

– Engage a respected individual in society to head the panel of the domestic inquiry.

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3.6. Domestic Inquiry – Hearing

1.Prosecutor – outlines case against Employee by producing evidence and witnesses

➢ Employee may cross examine witnesses.

2.Employee – enters defence, produces witnesses.➢ The witnesses may be cross examined by prosecutor.

3.Chairman – Guides proceedings & records evidence➢ Tape recording may be used.➢ Lawyers may not appear at this stage (only at court!)

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3.7. Domestic Inquiry – Post-Hearing● Panel – to discuss hearing & study evidence from

both parties.● Chairman – submits panel finding &

recommendations to Management.● Management – may make decision to:

a)Dismiss employee without noticeb)Downgrade employee.c)Impose lesser punishment as deemed fit, including

suspension of wages up to two weeks.

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4.0. Unfair Dismissal● The workman / employee who is not satisfied with

the domestic inquiry may refer the matter to the Industrial Court.

– “The findings of a domestic inquiry are not binding on the Industrial Court which rehears the matter afresh. However, it may take into account the fact that a domestic inquiry has been held when determining whether a particular workman was justly dismissed.”

● Gopal Sri Ram, JCA in Hong Leong Equipment S/B v Liew Fook Chuan & Other Appeals [1997] 1 CLJ 665

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4.1. Natural Justice● Rule of Fair Hearing (audi alteram partem):

– Means, “No man should be condemned unheard”● Employee has right to know the charge.● Employee has right to reply to the charge.

● Rule Against Bias (Nemo judex in causa sua):– Means, “No man should be a judge in his own cause”

● Rule against bias should prevail against staff constraints

● In a small company, outside help should be sought to comprise the domestic inquiry panel.

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4.2. No Domestic Inquiry = Fatal?● Failure of employer to hold domestic inquiry is

curable through de novo hearing held by Industrial Court.

– Wong Yuen Hock v Syarikat Hong Leong Assurance S/B and anor appeal [1995] 2 MLJ 753.

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4.3. Guidelines for Industrial Court● The Industrial Court should consider whether there

was a dismissal. If yes, the court should consider whether the dismissal was with just cause or excuse.

– Supreme Court, in Wong Chee Hong v Cathay Organisation (M) S/B [1988] 1 CLJ 92, 45, 298

– Federal Court, in Milan Auto S/B v Wong Seh Yen [1995] 4 CLJ 449

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4.4. Powers of Industrial Court● The Industrial Court may:

– Order for Reinstatement (Unfair Dismissal)– Order for maximum 24 months back wages– Order for recognition of collective agreements

● Industrial Court's Awards are “final and conclusive” – Section 33, Industrial Relations Act 1967

● However, an unsatisfied party may file a writ or certiorari at High Court to annul or quash the Award

– Can appeal from High Court to Court of Appeal and Federal Court!

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5.0. Constructive Dismissal● When employer's conduct is outrageous and makes

continued employment impossible:– Workman need not tolerate it, and can treat himself

as dismissed!– Employee should leave immediately – delay may

harm his/her case.● Employer makes life unbearable for workman

– Employer's conduct is unreasonable and repudiates the contract.

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5.1. Forced Resignation● When a receptionist in Subang was asked to work in

Sabah.– Dicklin Sdn Bhd v Bathma Subramaniam Award 216

of 1991 ILR● General Manager's duties changed, became

subordinate to Assistant General Manager.– Konnas Jet Cargo Systems Sdn Bhd v. Cheah Cheong

Tian [1995] 2 ILR 800

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5.2. Demotion● Assistant manager in shipping department

transferred to service parts department.– Funai Electric (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd Johore v Salliah

Ahmad [1997] 2 ILR 1002– 12 days delay allowed because she had to find out if

it was an actual demotion.● Hotel maintenance executive assigned new job “car

park executive”. Court found the job was car park attendant and found demotion.

– Hotel Malaya S/B v Say Lip Nyen [1994] 1 ILR 464

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5.3. Other Examples● Worker not paid her monthly salary.

– ATI Technologies (M) S/B v Jamilah Abu Bakar [2002] 1 ILR 385

● Company relocated from PJ to Bangi, promised free transportation. Service discontinued after 2 months.

– Plastic Tecnic S/B v Sarawasthy d/o Manickam & Ors Industrial Ct Award 173/1991

● Employer assaulted employee– Multrapac S/B v Low Kok Piew Industrial Ct Award

13/1991

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