KUALA LUMPUR, March 15 — Since the announcement of the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) study, which considers shorter working hours for female civil servants, several women view it positively for advancing their position in the workforce.
The fact is, the longstanding issue of women having to give up work for family care persists, with no clear solution despite previous efforts.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Centre for Research in Development, Social & Environment chairman Prof. Dr. Novel Lyndon, highlighted that this initiative aligns with the government’s aim to achieve 60 per cent female labour force participation and it addresses challenges like arranging daycare and participating in children’s education.
“These efforts not only strengthen family bonds but also help couples with young children or newlyweds better manage family commitments.
“Women’s roles encompass domestic duties, family care and income generation to support their spouses and career growth,” he said
On March 8, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the ongoing SSPA study would explore options for granting female civil servants more flexibility in their working hours to prioritise family commitments.
During the International Women’s Day Celebration 2024, Anwar suggested that this flexibility might involve adjusting pay rates, challenging traditional norms, as many women are compelled to leave their careers to fulfill family responsibilities.
While considering the SSPA study a positive development, Novel stressed the importance of identifying the specific groups of women targeted in the review, such as single individuals or those without family commitments and assessing whether the proposed changes would impact their career advancement.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Broadcasting Department producer Fauzura Mat Yusoff, expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential to empower women to better balance their professional and household responsibilities, thereby enhancing their overall productivity.
“It presents an opportunity for women, who often juggle multiple roles, including that of mothers, to achieve a more harmonious life. By earning an income and allocating more time to their families, they can thrive both personally and professionally.
“If put into practice, addressing childcare concerns may not offer a complete solution, but it could help lessen the load,” said Fauzura who has a nine-year-old daughter.
Zayana Zahira Mohd Isa, 41, an Information Officer at the Pahang State Information Department, expressed support for the SSPA study exploring shorter working hours for women, seeing it as beneficial for families.
However, she stressed the importance of implementing it in a way that maintains workers’ productivity.
“I propose a rotational schedule since many women are employed in offices. If everyone leaves early or reduces their hours, it might impact office services,” she added.
— Bernama
