Employers can’t force workers to take leave during CNY, says HR Ministry

By Hakim Mahari
KUALA LUMPUR: Employers planning to shut down operations beyond the official public holidays for Chinese New Year are reminded not to force employees to take annual or unpaid leave during this period.
The Human Resources Ministry said it has received complaints regarding certain employers compelling employees to take annual or unpaid leave.
This pressure to take leave arises from business closures before and after the official public holidays for Chinese New Year, which fall on Jan 29 and 30.
“We wish to emphasise that employees have the right to decide when to apply for their annual leave, and employers cannot compel employees to take annual or unpaid leave to cut business costs.
“Annual leave and unpaid leave should only be granted at the employee’s own request,” the ministry said in a statement today.
The ministry said any employee whose entitlement to annual leave or wages is denied due to business closures beyond the official public holidays can report the matter to the nearest Labour Department office.
Reports can be made as stipulated under Section 69 of the Employment Act 1955.
Source: employers-cant-force-workers-take-leave-during-cny-says-hr-ministry