A recent survey conducted by the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has revealed that six employers have terminated the services of their employees for their obsessive playing of Pokémon Go while at the office, a report in the Sunday Star said.

50 per cent of poll participants were from the manufacturing sector while the rest were from other industries.

“Based on our preliminary findings, six employers, or 4 per cent of the 150 companies (polled), admitted that workers who indulged too much in the game have been dismissed,” MEF executive director Shamsuddin Bardan said.

However some employers opted for the softer approach and advised their employees instead against playing the game while at work. Others issued warning letters or imposed suspension from work without pay, the report said.

“Some 96 per cent (of employers) also prohibit workers from using the company e-mail address to sign up for the game,” Shamsuddin said, adding that 25 per cent of respondents admitted to having caught their employees in the act of playing Pokémon Go during working hours.

Longer lunch breaks have also become more common as employees go on the hunt while outside the office with some 11 per cent of employers having noticed this change.

54 per cent of those polled also said they wanted to request that game developer Niantic Labs remove PokéStops and Gyms near their offices or work place.

PokéStops are locations for players to replenish game items while PokéGyms are areas where players can go to battle and train their pocket monsters.

Despite productivity levels at the workplace taking a dive, Shamsuddin said 5 per cent of employers also reported that several employees breached the company’s restricted areas in their bid to catch the Pokémon.

All the news has not been bad however as some 19 per cent of employers, including those in the food and beverage industry, said the game had been good for business.

“Most employers are still trying to assess the situation. It is too early for us to set a standard policy for all employers on Pokémon Go,” said Shamsuddin.