KUALA LUMPUR, April 2 (Bernama) -- The government’s announcement of work‑from‑home (WFH) arrangements demonstrates its concern in alleviating the cost-of-living pressures amid the global energy crisis.
Malaysian Society for Occupational Safety and Health (MSOSH) president Datuk Wira Ahmad Fakhrul Anuar Ismail said the WFH culture could become a permanent practice rather than a temporary response to the crisis, emphasising the need for a comprehensive standard operating procedure (SOP) for the long term.
“The government must set clear SOPs and working hour guidelines while promoting self-discipline among employees and conducting awareness campaigns on safety and health as WFH arrangements take effect.
“An unclear separation of working hours and personal time during WFH arrangements may affect employees’ productivity and mental health,” he said when contacted by Bernama today.
The government yesterday announced the implementation of WFH arrangements for the public sector and government-linked companies effective April 15 as a proactive measure to address the global energy crisis.
In a video message, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the decision, reached at the Cabinet meeting, aims to reduce fuel consumption and ensure the sustainability of the country’s energy supply, which has been affected by the conflict in West Asia.
Ahmad Fakhrul Anuar, however, said that WFH arrangements are not suitable for all sectors, particularly frontline roles such as healthcare workers, teachers, police personnel, and factory operations staff, who still need to be physically present and require a flexible approach.
Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) secretary-general Kamarul Baharin Mansor said the move was in line with the current uncertainty, as it could help reduce fuel consumption and transportation costs for employees commuting to the workplace.
He suggested that companies consult the union to explore more appropriate approaches, requirements, and regulations, drawing on lessons from the WFH experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Describing workers as more capable in executing the policy for a second time, social expert Datuk Professor Dr Mohammad Shatar Sabran said the method has actually delivered promising outcomes, including in the education sector, even if some were less confident about its effectiveness.
“In today’s technological era, WFH arrangements offer flexibility and peace of mind to the people, as many tasks can now be handled online. The people should thank the government, as this reflects its effort to help them cope with the global energy crisis,” he said.
Meanwhile, Amirul Salam Hasan from the Corporate Communications Office of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu said that WFH arrangements can now be incorporated as part of a long-term strategy towards sustainability.
He said this is due to the fact that daily fuel consumption is heavily influenced by workers commuting to and from work, with urban traffic congestion reducing productivity and increasing both energy waste and carbon emissions.
“This measure also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, particularly in major urban areas. In the long term, this small change has the potential to contribute to achieving the country’s commitment to the sustainability and climate change agenda,” he said.
Admitting that WFH comes with its own set of challenges, Amirul Salam said some sectors are not suitable for remote work.
“The digital divide between urban and rural areas also needs to be addressed to ensure comprehensive access to technology. Employee well-being, including work-life balance and social interaction, also needs to be properly managed.
“A hybrid approach that combines working from home and being in the officeis seen as the most practical measure. It not only maintains productivity but also allows employees to benefit from reduced commuting and cost savings,” he said.
He also said that continued investment in digital infrastructure is crucial to support the wider and more effective implementation of the policy.
“Institutions of higher learning also have an important role to play in supporting this agenda. In addition to conducting research on sustainability impacts, universities can lead in promoting flexible working practices and educating future generations on the importance of sustainable development,” he said.
--BERNAMA
