Statutory Basis: Malaysia
Employment Act 1955 (Part XIIC on Flexible Working Arrangements) & JPA Service Circulars — Section 60P & JPA WBF Circular
Under the Malaysian Employment Act 1955, maximum weekly hours are 45 hours. While there is no automatic statutory reduction in private sector work hours, Section 60P permits employees to apply for Flexible Working Arrangements (FWA). In the public sector, the Public Service Department (JPA) operates the Waktu Bekerja Fleksi (WBF) scheme, enabling civil servants to reduce lunch breaks to 30 minutes and leave work 30 to 60 minutes earlier.
Does this apply to non-Muslim employees?
When Malaysian corporate employers adjust office working hours (such as shifting departure to 4:30 PM or 5:00 PM), the policy applies to the entire office to maintain collaborative schedules and building operations.
Sector-by-Sector Ramadan Work Schedules
Overtime Calculations During Ramadan
Normal Day Overtime (Section 60A)
Formula: 1.5x Hourly Rate of Pay (ORP)
Work in excess of standard daily hours is paid at 1.5 times the employee's ordinary hourly rate.
Industry Shift Recommendations
Corporate & Tech SMEs
Compressed 30-Minute Lunch & 4:30 PM Departure
Employees take a 30-minute lunch break, allowing fasting Muslim staff and commuting teams to beat Klang Valley peak traffic ahead of Iftar.
