My Retirement Age Is Near, But Suddenly They Want Me Out Earlier
Retirement is supposed to be a moment of dignity. After years of service—loyal, often at the expense of health, time with family, and personal dreams—most workers hope for a smooth exit marked by gratitude and respect. Yet, for some, this transition turns bitter when an employer suddenly insists on an earlier departure. This scenario is […]
My Overtime Claim Is Always Rejected – Who Can I Turn To?
The Story Shafiq worked as an administrative officer in a logistics company. His official hours were 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., but in reality, he rarely left before 9 p.m. Trucks came in late, client calls stretched into the night, and urgent reports were often needed by morning. Shafiq never complained—he understood the nature of […]
My Employer Deducts SOCSO, But Do I Really Benefit?
Understanding the purpose of social protection in Malaysia Every month, many Malaysian employees glance at their payslip and notice a deduction for SOCSO (Social Security Organisation, or PERKESO). The amount might seem small, yet the question often arises: do employees really benefit from this contribution, or is it just another mandatory deduction with little personal […]
My Boss Thinks Working from Home Means Always Available
The Story When the pandemic forced offices to close, Aina welcomed the idea of working from home. She imagined spending more time with her children, cutting out the two-hour commute, and having better control of her daily schedule. At first, it was wonderful. She could start work early, take a short break to check on […]
My Boss Says “Company Cannot Afford EPF” – Can He Refuse to Pay?
In Malaysia, the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), known as Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (KWSP), is one of the most fundamental pillars of employee protection. Every month, millions of workers see deductions from their payslips and matching contributions from their employers, all of which go into their EPF accounts. This savings scheme is designed to ensure […]
My Boss Promised Promotion, Then Replaced Me with a Contract Staff
Promises at work often carry more weight than words alone. They shape motivation, loyalty, and the sense of belonging. When a boss promises promotion, the employee naturally builds hope and adjusts personal and family expectations around that assurance. But what happens when those hopes are crushed—when instead of recognition and advancement, the employee is sidelined, […]
My Boss Gave Me a Confirmation Letter After I Resigned – Can They Hold Me Back?
When Nadia decided to resign from her company, she followed the proper procedure. She drafted a resignation letter, gave the required one-month notice, and submitted it to her manager. She thought it would be straightforward: serve her notice, hand over her tasks, and move on to the next chapter of her career. But things took […]
Is It Wrong to Demand Respect for My Lunch Break?
The Story Aisyah works as a customer service officer in a busy retail outlet in Kuala Lumpur. Her shift officially runs from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m., with a one-hour break for lunch. But in reality, her “lunch break” often disappears. Some days, her supervisor calls her back after just 10 minutes to cover the […]
Is It Legal for an Employee With a Valid MC to Go Shopping?
The Scenario An employee obtains a valid medical certificate (MC) from a registered doctor. The MC states he is unfit for work for one or two days. However, on the same day, his boss sees him at a shopping mall accompanying his wife. When questioned later, the employee admits the MC is genuine, but he […]
Is It Fair to Extend My Lunch Hour Since I Always Work Late Without OT?
Arif had a routine that most of his colleagues noticed but rarely questioned. His official lunch break was from 1.00 p.m. to 2.00 p.m. Every day, he left the office promptly at one, enjoyed a good meal, sometimes met a friend, and then lingered over coffee. He only returned to work at 3.00 p.m., giving […]