In a statement, the Electrical Industry Workers Union (EIWU) said the ministry was duty-bound to protect the interest of workers.

Yesterday, human resources minister M Saravanan announced the enforcement of the amendments would be postponed by four months to Jan 1, 2023.

Employers had been calling for more time to comply with the amendments, saying it will lead to higher costs at a time when the economy had yet to recover.

The amendments would, among others, see working hours reduced from 48 hours to 45 hours per week, in line with the International Labour Organization (ILO) convention.

EIWU secretary-general Zaimi Muhammad Yusof voiced disappointment that Saravanan did not consult the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) before making the announcement.

“By failing to consult the national trade union body, we have no alternative but to conclude that the ministry has tacitly approved the employers’ request to delay the implementation of the amendments.”

Zaimi urged the ministry to clarify if the date for the implementation of the amendments can be deferred since the changes to the law have been gazetted by Parliament.

“Otherwise, it is an absolute mockery of justice,” he said.

He added that the ministry was setting a “dangerous precedent” by succumbing to the demands of businesses.