KUALA LUMPUR – Ipoh Barat MP M. Kula Segaran has lambasted the government for declaring a public holiday in a way which could see workers losing out on their salaries.
In a tweet on his official account, the former human resources minister also called on the government to rectify the situation.
“Another blunder by the incompetent federal government!
“How Shahidan Kassim has blundered by declaring holiday under Section 9 (2) of the Holidays Act – which is not covered as a paid holiday for workers. Why not use Section 8? Government must correct this!” he tweeted.
Another blunder by the incompetent federal government!
— M. Kula Segaran (@mkula) December 2, 2021
How Shahidan Kassim has blundered by declaring holiday under Section 9(2) of the Holidays Act - which is not covered as a paid holiday for workers. Why not use Sec 8? Gov must correct this! https://t.co/rUybHjaknW
His response comes after Malaysiakini had earlier reported that while the impromptu public holiday this Friday (December 3) is not a paid holiday covered by the Employment Act, the Human Resources Ministry is encouraging employers in the affected areas to provide workers with a paid holiday anyways.
“Employers in the private sector are encouraged to give a paid public holiday to their workers,” Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan was quoted as saying by the news portal.
The public holiday on December 3 for all federal territories was announced by Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim in light of KL City FC’s Malaysia Cup win on November 30.
The public holiday declaration has since been met with mixed reactions, with some rejoicing over the extra day of rest while others, such as Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming, noted that the unplanned public holiday will be socially and economically disruptive. – The Vibes, December 2, 2021
