Every Worker Dreams of Dignity – Does the Law Protect It?
The Story Roslan had worked as a machine operator in a factory for nearly ten years. He was never the loudest worker, nor the most ambitious, but he was steady and reliable. Every morning he clocked in early, carried out his duties diligently, and rarely complained. Yet, despite his commitment, Roslan often felt invisible. His […]
Can the Boss Reject an Employee’s Request for Salary Advance Under Malaysian Law?
Salary advances are a sensitive subject in many workplaces. Employees sometimes face emergencies—medical bills, family obligations, unexpected expenses—and turn to their employer for help by requesting an advance on their wages. Some employers view this as an act of goodwill and support, while others treat it strictly as a financial risk. But legally speaking, in […]
Can My Company Deduct My Salary for a Mistake in Work?
The Story Siti works in the marketing department of a small trading company. She is known for her creativity and attention to detail. One day, she was tasked to prepare a leaflet for a new product launch. The product price was RM830, but in her rush, Siti mistakenly typed it as RM83. The leaflets were […]
Can I Sue My Company for Withholding My KPI Allowance?
Farid had worked hard throughout the year. His employment contract included a special benefit known as the “KPI Allowance.” The HR handbook explained that employees who achieved their Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) would receive a monthly or annual allowance as recognition of their performance. Farid, however, fell short of his targets. When the year ended, […]
Can I Really Be Fired for Posting About Secret Company Data on Social Media?
The Story Lina, a junior executive in a financial services company, had always been active on social media. She shared updates about her daily life, from lunch outings to work frustrations. One evening, while working late, she took a photo of her computer screen showing some client information and posted it on Instagram with the […]
Can Foreign Students Do Internships in Malaysia? The Legal Reality for Employers
When Lina, a Malaysian HR executive, received an application for internship, she was surprised. The candidate was a foreign student pursuing a degree in Malaysia. On paper, the student looked promising—fluent in multiple languages, strong academic results, and eager to learn. But Lina’s boss dismissed the idea immediately. “Too troublesome,” he said. “Foreigners need permits […]
Can Employers Ask About Pregnancy During Job Interviews?
During a recent interview panel, a hiring manager posed two questions to a candidate: “Are you pregnant?” and “Do you plan to get pregnant within the next year?” The panel thought these were practical questions, given that the role involved a demanding schedule and training commitments. The candidate looked uncomfortable, hesitated, and gave vague answers. […]
Can an Employee Ever Say “No” to Forced Overtime?
The Story Azman had worked as a warehouse supervisor for five years. His official hours were 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., but he was often asked to stay back late. At first, he agreed—he understood that urgent shipments sometimes required extra hours. But over time, “extra” became the norm. One Friday evening, just as he […]
Can a Company Terminate Me if They Find I Cheated on My MC?
Medical certificates (MCs) are among the most common documents in any workplace. They serve as proof that an employee has been examined by a doctor and declared unfit for work due to illness or injury. In Malaysia, under Section 60F of the Employment Act 1955 (Act 265), employees are entitled to paid sick leave if […]
Navigating End-of-Contract Transitions with Humanology
The boardroom at StellarWorks Industries was unusually quiet, with an air of unease hanging over the leadership team. “We have 150 employees whose contracts are ending in two months,” Mr. Karim, the CEO, began. “The problem is, we’ve done nothing to prepare. We’re facing potential chaos if this isn’t handled properly.” Ms. Alina, the HR […]