KUALA LUMPUR, April 4 — The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) fully supports the Human Resources Ministry’s call for employers to grant paid compassionate leave and consider flexible work arrangements for employees affected by the recent gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights.
President Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman emphasised the incident’s significant impact on the community and urged employers to act with empathy and responsibility.
“MEF acknowledges that many affected employees are facing distress due to personal loss, displacement, and concerns for their families’ well-being.
“Therefore, it is crucial for businesses to adopt compassionate policies that support their employees while maintaining business continuity,” he said in a statement today.
He also highlighted that Section 60P of the Employment Act 1955 provides flexibility in working hours, workdays, and work locations, allowing employers to make necessary adjustments to accommodate employees’ needs in exceptional circumstances.
Syed Hussain also urged businesses to take proactive steps, such as providing mental health support and counselling services for distressed employees, as well as ensuring clear communication and support channels for those in need.
“MEF commends private sector employers who have already taken steps to support their affected employees and encourages businesses of all sizes to consider these measures as part of their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments,” he said.
Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) confirmed that the blaze, which broke out at 8.10 am on Tuesday, occurred at the main Petronas Gas Bhd pipeline.
It took nearly eight hours to fully extinguish the blaze, which left a crater approximately 9.8 metres deep and 21 by 24 metres in size.
Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad reported that 237 houses were damaged, affecting 305 people. — Bernama
Zahiid, S. J. (2025, April 4). MEF supports HR ministry’s call for paid leave and flexible work for employees affected by Putra Heights gas fire. Malay Mail https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/04/04/mef-supports-hr-ministrys-call-for-paid-leave-and-flexible-work-for-employees-affected-by-putra-heights-gas-fire/171863
- PERKESO reforms ensure comprehensive protection for all workers, says HR Minister
KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Resources Ministry, through the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), continues to undertake comprehensive reforms to strengthen social protection for all contributors, including gig workers and foreign workers, says Steven Sim Chee Keong. The Human Resources Minister said that 10 major reforms have been implemented over the past two years to provide more […] - KESUMA’s drive for fair work and shared progress
The LIFE AT WORK Awards (LAWA) hosted by Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp), celebrates its 10th edition, solidifying its influence as a platform that drives transformation in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in Malaysian workspaces. With concerns regarding human capital rising amid the ubiquity of artificial intelligence (AI), it is crucial now more than ever […] - ‘Many employers not making mandatory Perkeso, EPF contributions’
KLANG: The Human Resources Ministry has detected a worrying number of employers still refusing to register or make mandatory contributions to the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) and Employees Provident Fund (EPF) for their workers. The ministry stressed that such actions violated employees’ rights and denied them basic protection. Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul […] - Nearly 500 labour law breach cases detected
KLANG: Almost 500 investigation papers have been opened against employers for breaches of labour laws as of Nov 1, says Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad. Among the most common labour law offences are employers’ failure to make the mandatory contributions to the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) or the Employees Provident Fund […] - MOHR Won’t Tolerate Companies Preventing Workers From Forming Union
The Industrial Relations Department of the Human Resources Ministry (MOHR) has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights after a gathering and memorandum submission by several labour unions concerning alleged union-busting practices. The department emphasised that it respects the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and freedom of speech, while reiterating that workers’ rights to form […] - Court Orders Employer To Pay 93 Migrant Workers Outstanding Wages
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong has welcomed the Shah Alam High Court’s decision to uphold an earlier ruling by the Labour Court, ordering an employer to pay outstanding wages to 93 migrant workers who were left without work upon arrival in Malaysia. The High Court on 31 October 2025 affirmed the Labour Court’s […] - No tolerance for employers who withhold wages, says HR Minister
The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) has urged all employers to take heed of the recent Shah Alam High Court ruling which upheld a decision in favour of 93 migrant workers in an unpaid wage case. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said the Oct 31 decision sends a strong message that failure to […] - THE HEART WORK REVOLUTION
TEN years after its inception, the Life at Work Awards (LAWA) 2025 marked not just a milestone but a movement that celebrates how Malaysia’s workplaces are evolving with compassion, flexibility and purpose. Hosted by Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp), the gala night honoured organisations leading the way in shaping a fairer, more progressive, human-centred world […] - Group wants clear framework, pilot projects before expanding EIS to gig workers
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Industrial, Commercial and Service Employers Association (Micsea) has called on the government to set a clear policy framework and run pilot projects before expanding the Employment Insurance System (EIS) to gig and platform-based workers. The association said the plan, announced by human resources minister Steven Sim in the Dewan Rakyat on […] - Employer group seeks clarity on foreign worker pay rules after court ruling
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 3): The Malaysian Industrial Commercial & Service Employers Association (MICSEA) is calling on the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR) to issue clear and structured guidelines on wage payment timelines for foreign workers, following a recent court ruling that employers must pay wages from the moment these workers arrive in Malaysia. The call […]