MEF executive director Shamsuddin Bardan had reportedly said firms could lower wages of such staff.

He said firms that gave employees travel allowances should not continue to do so if the workers chose to work from home.

Watch the video here.

In response, former youth and sports minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said employees who worked from home still had to fork out money.

“They pay for their own electricity and internet bills. Often, they have to work until night, too.

“MEF should instead suggest that employers pay more allowances, going by their own logic,” the Muar MP said in a Facebook post.

M Kula Segaran, a former human resources minister, described Shamsuddin’s suggestion as “shallow” and out of touch with the changes taking place in employment worldwide, thanks to technology.

In a Twitter post, the Ipoh Barat MP said “maybe now” the human resources ministry could resume its tripartite National Labour Advisory Council meeting involving employees, employers and Putrajaya, which was last held in 2020.

“Their statement is irresponsible,” Kula added.

Meanwhile, former PNB CEO Abdul Jalil Abdul Rasheed said it was “embarrassing” for MEF to come out with such a statement.

“Can’t ever recall when they encouraged employers to be more pragmatic and forward-looking,” said Jalil, who left his post as CEO of Berjaya Corp Bhd on March 31.