JPA director-general Shafiq Abdullah said although some countries had begun trying out a four-day work week, the approach should be viewed holistically, especially in terms of its suitability and effectiveness in improving public service.

“JPA is also aware of the impact of any new policy on the public service delivery system, especially when the government is in the process of reviving the country’s economy,” he said in a statement today.

On June 30, Shafiq had said JPA had set up a special team to study the implementation of a four-day work week following a request for a thorough analysis from various parties.

Yesterday, the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) president Adnan Mat was reported as saying that Malaysia was not ready for a four-day work week.

He said there were other pending matters involving workers’ welfare and salaries that had yet to be resolved by the government and employers.

Shafiq said JPA took note of the views from Cuepacs and various parties on the proposed four-day work week and welcomed input from stakeholders so that a proper feasibility study could be conducted.

“JPA also looks into other aspects such as facilities, career advancement and improvement of work processes for a better people-centric public service delivery system,” he said.