PETALING JAYA: Amendments to the Employment Act 1955 to be implemented next month should be postponed until businesses have fully recovered, says the Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM).

Its president Oliver Wee Hiang Chyn said the construction industry would struggle to accommodate additional costs incurred from enforcement of amendments of Employment Act 1995, as these had not been budgeted for.

The amendments included a shorter working week from 48 to 45 hours, increased duration of maternity leave, paternity leave, and flexible work arrangements.

"The industry continues to deal with uncertain liabilities resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic and requires time to fully recover.

"It is vital for the amendments to be enforced at a later period to avoid.. additional costs of doing business," he said in a statement on Friday (Aug 19).

He added that the new minimum wage of RM1,500 that came into effect on May 1 had already affected the industry with employers having to bear additional costs.

He said although the industry was able to operate fully during the country’s transition to the endemic phase, manpower challenges had hampered its recovery with delays in many jobs.

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"The government should also look into a proper economic recovery plan for the industry, to boost the economy," Wee added.

He said the amendments that could directly affect contractors include: flexible...

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