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PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has defended the government’s Covid-19 bill against criticism from an MP who said it came months too late.
MEF executive director Shamsuddin Bardan said the concerns expressed by Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming had been dealt with in the proposed law.
The Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Bill 2020 provides protections for businesses and employers for their inability to meet some of their contractual obligations because of government restrictions to curb the pandemic.
Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming had highlighted some flaws in the bill. Among them, he said, was Section 7 which was supposed to protect those who cannot meet obligations, but which was negated under Section 10.
Shamsuddin said however that even if certain legal actions and claims commenced or were concluded before the bill came into force, the protection provided by the bill would still apply.
Ong also said Section 10 might encourage more potential claimants to quickly file legal claims against companies in the next few months before the act comes into force.
Shamsuddin said Ong’s concerns had already been addressed in the bill.
However, he said the government could have provided a more comprehensive Covid-19 bill.
“The bill should exempt employers from certain obligations under the Employment Act by taking into account the challenges faced by employers arising from Covid-19 especially in situations where employers try very hard to sustain their businesses and maintain their employees in employment.
“Covid-19 is not normal and to expect employers to be bound by the normal laws will lead to a disastrous situation,” he said.
SME Association of Malaysia president Michael Kang, meanwhile, proposed that the government set up a dispute centre to handle grievances arising from the bill.
“Banks should also be part of the centre to assist on related issues,” he said.
Source: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/08/18/employers-group-defends-covid-19-bill-from-critics/