Our 5 Most-Read HR Guides From 2021 — and Why You (Still) Need Them for 2022

2021 has come to a close, and what a challenging year it has been for employers, HR professionals, and all parties involved. But as we like to say here at altHR, every challenge is an opportunity to grow — and what a year of growth it has been, with digitalisation firmly at the forefront of HR mindsets in Malaysia (and beyond). 

And as the year has gone by, the team here has worked incredibly hard on providing the best all-in-one HR super app to help businesses in Malaysia with their digital transformation journeys — along with our weekly guides to everything you need to know about HR management, digitalisation, and more on the altHR Resources centre. 

Now, as we open up the new year, here are our most popular HR guides from 2021 — and why they’re still must-reads for all HR professionals in Malaysia in 2022. 

1. How to set up a MySejahtera QR Code for visitors and employees at your business premises

One thing that has remained constant throughout the pandemic has been the requirement and use of the government’s MySejahtera app — which has since undergone reiterations and upgrades to help with contact tracking efforts for COVID-19, as well as vaccination status and appointments. 

As a business, it’s vital that you set up a MySejahtera QR code for your premises, for both employees and visitors. This is actually very, very simple, provided that you have the right steps. 

Read the full article (with full steps) here.

2. Three Simple Steps to Get MITI Approval Letters for Businesses Operating During MCO 

Despite the fact that the entire nation is now entering Stage 4 of the National Recovery Plan in Malaysia, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali has confirmed that operators in the manufacturing sector are still required to apply for approval letters from the ministry (MITI). 

That’s because 80 percent of workers companies in the industry must be vaccinated  for operations to resume at full operating capacity. If your business operates under the purview of MITI, fret not — we have a full guide below. 

Find out the full details here.

3.Unused Annual Leave in Malaysia: What Are Employees Legally Entitled To?

The beginning of the year (or the end of the year) is also a great time to plan your vacation time ahead of time. In fact, we’d encourage you to make annual leave applications ahead of each quarter, to better facilitate medium-to-long-term planning for team-members and managers. 

Meanwhile, many HR professionals are also currently navigating through carry-forward leave policies, and what that entails for employee leave entitlements for 2022. There isn’t a hard and fast answer for everyone, as this can depend on the type of employment contract, as well as individual company policies. 

To find out more, click here for the full article. 

4. How to Calculate Overtime Pay for Employees in Malaysia

Overtime pay is a subject that we see discussed very often on various HR forums and Facebook groups — there seems to be a degree of confusion over what, when, and how much to pay to employees who go above and beyond with regards to working hours. 

This can be complicated for some HR professionals, particularly those who work in industries where overtime pay may make up a large chunk of your company’s monthly payroll calculations. And while there are a multitude of automatic calculators online, it’s absolutely crucial for employers and HR personnel to understand the math and law behind overtime pay calculations in Malaysia. 

Find out the full deets here.

5. Can Malaysian Employers Reject an Employee’s Resignation Letter?

Rounding up the top five is our guide to resignation letters from employees — and whether employers are technically allowed to reject them. We’ve certainly heard of horror stories where employers try to reject resignations from staff, claiming that they need them, or that they have a say in whether these employees have the right to look for other employment. 

It seems pretty obvious that the answer is no, but based on the anecdotes we’ve gathered, it seems that employers in Malaysia still don’t understand the law behind resignation, notice periods, and other fundamental employment law concepts. If you’re in the midst of a complicated breakup with your soon-to-be ex employers, this one's for you. 

Click here for our guide to resignation letters in Malaysia.