Schools, firms to get day off

> Education minister announces ‘special event’ holiday while employers grant paid leave

KUALA LUMPUR: All schools in the country will be given a “special event” holiday on May 9 for the 14th general election polling day, said Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid.

He said 6,941 schools would be used as polling centres on that day.

“The holiday is for schools only. It will be a working day for the state education departments and district education offices,” he told a press conference after opening a national conference of school principals here yesterday.

Also present was Education directorgeneral Datuk Dr Amin Senin.

Meanwhile, several firms and employers have announced that they will give paid leave for all its employees to cast their votes.

Karangkraf Sdn Bhd announced via Twitter yesterday that all its staff will get the day off on polling day.

The announcement was made by its group chief executive officer Datuk Hussamuddin Yaacub just hours after the date was revealed by the Election Commission.

Another firm, Shekhinah PR, said it will give its employees two days off and also reimburse staff for petrol and toll expenses incurred by those who have to return to their hometowns to vote.

“The management has decided to close the office for two days on May 8 and 9, so outstation staff can return to their respective hometowns and exercise their right to vote as citizens of Malaysia,” said its chief executive officer Christopher Raj.

Several other employers and university lecturers have also announced on social media that they would grant leave to employees and students.

Malaysian Trades Union Congress president Datuk Abdul Halim Mansor said employers should help employees to exercise their right to vote.

“Employers should have discussions with the workers on how to organise work operations on polling day to allow time for voting so that it does not affect the productivity of the company,” Abdul Halim said.

Section 25 of the Election Offences Act 1954 states that an employer must give sufficient time for employees to vote on polling day, failing which the employer shall be liable to a RM5,000 fine or imprisonment of up to one year.

Employers also cannot penalise staff via deductions from the worker’s salary in relation to taking time off to vote.