Survey: Eight in 10 Malaysian employees see work from home could improve work-life-balance
As the majority of Malaysia’s workforce continues to work from home, the UOB ASEAN Consumer Sentiment Study discovered that flexible work arrangements are critical to achieving work-life-balance as part of new working norms post-Covid-19. The survey showed that eight in 10 Malaysia employees polled (81%) expect that work-life-balance will improve as working from home regularly becomes a permanent work option. 74% of respondents also expect their productivity to improve as they have greater freedom over how they manage their working hours. However, the firmness of this view varied significantly across the different age groups, with Generation Z (87%) and Generation Y (78%) employees being most supportive of flexible working hours leading to higher productivity. Meanwhile, the survey also uncovered that nine in 10 Malaysia employees expect flexible working arrangements to become more common in a post-Covid-19 environment. The sentiment was highest among Generation X (94%), followed by Generation Y (88%) and Generation Z (87%). The study also found that nine in 10 employees in Malaysia (90%) feel they need to work longer hours to avoid losing their jobs. A similar trend was seen across other Asean markets surveyed including Indonesia (92%), Thailand (87%), Singapore (89%) and Vietnam (90%). (The Edge)
Moody’s: Malaysia, Singapore to gain from global growth in 2022
Malaysia and Singapore are positioned to gain from global growth in 2022, said Moody’s Analytics. It said both countries have been cautious in opening their borders to travellers despite being among the most aggressive with fiscal policy support for their economies over the past year. The ratings agency said China and its linkages through supply chains in Asia Pacific and the rest of the world could help Asia lead the economic recovery, much as it did following the global financial crisis of 2008-2009. “Countries, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Indonesia, have benefitted from the carry condition of Chinaʼs growing trade demand,” it said. It added that trade with China last year grew in percentage terms in double digits in Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand and Singapore. However, it noted that containment of Covid-19 also is a necessary condition, which neither Indonesia nor Malaysia have yet managed to achieve. (NST Online)
MPC urges more construction companies to claim eSPO acknowledgement certificate
Nearly 700 companies from various sectors have been acknowledged by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry and Ministry of Human Resources as shared prosperity organisations as at Feb 12. These companies received the e-Shared Prosperity Organisation (eSPO) Acknowledgement Certificate (e-certificate) issued by Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) which is driving the campaign to encourage more companies to join the ranks. Through eSPO, the companies could attract more locals to work in the construction business, hence reducing the reliance on foreign workers, said director-general Datuk Abdul Latif Abu Seman. eSPO acknowledges companies that implement Productivity-Linked Wage System (PLWS), a flexible wage system which is based on gain-sharing and mutual wealth creation between employer and employee. Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia CEO Datuk Ir Ahmad ‘Asri Abdul Hamid said companies have nothing to lose and everything to gain by joining eSPO. “Acknowledged eSPO companies entails conducive and fair working environment, and this is what employees are looking for in an employer. This is what the locals are looking for,” he said. (The Edge)
LBI Capital to develop properties with GDV of RM240m
LBI Capital Bhd has proposed to develop properties, which are expected to be launched in 4Q21, in two phases with GDV of between RM220 million and RM240 million. The property developer said the first phase comprises 17 units of shop offices, 156 units of Rumah Selangorku (RSKU) and 140 units of double-storey terrace houses, while the second phase will consist of 224 units of double-storey terrace houses. LBI Capital said the gross development cost (GDC) is approximately RM120 million, of which the GDV is evenly balanced between the two phases, whereas the GDC would be more in the first phase. On Feb 9, 2021, the company proposed to acquire Rising Alliance Sdn Bhd and entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Jernih Kejora Sdn Bhd to obtain a freehold land measuring 13.76ha in Kuala Selangor for RM3 million cash. (The Malaysian Reserve)
Restoration of Taiping Market expected to be ready by March 2023
Restoration works on Taiping Market, costing almost RM9 million, began on Jan 21 and is expected to be ready by March 22, 2023. Taiping Municipal Council (MPT) president Khairul Amir Mohamad Zubir said the facelift, fully funded by the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT), would have to be carefully planned with all the details considered to ensure the guidelines set by the Heritage Department are followed. “This is because Taiping Market, built in 1880 is the oldest market in Malaysia and the iconic building has been the pride of the local community and popular among visitors,” he said. Visitors and tourists who are interested in unique architecture and historical background of Malaysia’s development, would include the market as a must-see sight when visiting the heritage city. (Bernama)
