Daily HR News 2.1.2025
1. Johor civil staff get extra holiday
Johor civil servants will receive an additional holiday on January 6, 2025, due to the state's weekend shift from Friday-Saturday to Saturday-Sunday. This special replacement holiday addresses the six-day workweek during the transition. Schools will also close that day, without affecting ongoing Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examinations. The weekend change, effective January 1, 2025, ends Johor's 11-year Friday-Saturday weekend practice.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/01/02/johor-civil-staff-get-extra-holiday
2. MEF chairs Asean Confederation of Employers
The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) will chair the Asean Confederation of Employers (ACE) in early 2025, coinciding with Malaysia's Asean chairmanship. MEF President Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman stated that MEF aims to address socio-cultural challenges, enhance social security, and promote progressive employment practices across Asean during its tenure.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/01/02/mef-chairs-asean-confederation-of-employers
3. AmInvestment Forecasts RM1.7 Bln Boost To Malaysia's Equity Market From Non- Citizen Employees' EPF Contributions
AmInvestment Bank Bhd projects that mandatory Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions from non-citizen employees could inject up to RM1.7 billion annually into Malaysia's domestic equity market. This estimate is based on 2.5 million foreign workers earning a minimum monthly wage of RM1,700, with combined employee and employer EPF contributions of 11% and 13%, respectively.
Source: https://www.bernama.com/en/business/news.php?id=2378723
4. With e-filing mandatory starting 2025, IRB urges taxpayers to refer to new tax return submission guide available online
The Inland Revenue Board (IRB) of Malaysia has released the 2025 Tax Return Filing Programme, providing essential deadlines and guidelines for employers and employees. Employers are reminded to submit employee remuneration statements (Form EA) by February 28, 2025. Employees should file their tax returns via e-Filing by April 30, 2025. The IRB emphasizes the importance of adhering to these timelines to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/01/01/irb-malaysian-taxpayers-urged-to-refer-to-2025-tax-return-filing-programme-for-guidance/161785#google_vignette
5. Employers required to ensure smoke-free workplaces for public health safety: FOMCA
The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) emphasizes that Malaysian employers must enforce smoke-free workplace buildings to safeguard employee health and public well-being. This initiative aims to eliminate exposure to second-hand smoke, which contains over 4,700 harmful chemicals, including 43 carcinogens, and contributes to approximately 27,200 deaths annually in Malaysia.
Source: https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/employers-required-to-ensure-smoke-free-workplaces-for-public-health-safety-fomca-HB13477176