KUALA LUMPUR: Leaving her house in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, as early as 6.15 am for the 60-kilometre travel to office in the federal capital here has become a routine for civil servant Aida Ismail, 35.
Even a slight delay, will see her arriving at her office later than 9 am. In all, she spends about six hours on the road daily to commute between her house and office, arriving home only at 9 pm, which by then, her only child is normally already fast asleep.
That has been Aida's routine since last April when the country began transitioning into the endemic phase.
In a month, she is on the road for about 120 hours, which is equivalent to five days, a situation which is experienced by thousands other workers.
"There are times when I feel so stressful, I heard whispers, that I felt like crashing into the car in front," said the woman, who complained of her hand and lower back feeling numb and aching due to long hours of driving.
A senior consultant psychiatrist at Universiti Malaya, Associate Prof Dr Muhammad Muhsin Ahmad Zahari said the situation of continuously getting stuck in traffic jams could contribute to mental health disorders leading to chronic stress such as depression and anxiety.
"The stress will increase if the person is often late for work and is reprimanded or given warning by the employer, which in turn affects his/her emotion and work productivity," he said.
Dr Muhammad Muhsin said if not addressed, the matter could also lead to the person having high blood pressure, heart diseases and diabetes, which would get worse without a healthy lifestyle.
Therefore, he said, time management is important to avoid the rush.
A specialist at the Psychology and Human Wellbeing Research Centre, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Professor Dr Rozmi Ismail expressed the importance for employers to implement flexible working hours as one of the measures to overcome the situation and create a healthier work environment.
"This means having staggered working hours so that employees do not come to work and leave at the same time.
"For example, having a shift system that starts at 8 am to 5 pm and the second shift starts at 10 am to 8 pm. Alternatively, we can also implement a rotation system that requires employees to be present in rotation in the office," he said.
Based on media reports last month, Deputy Minister of Human Resources Datuk Awang Hashim said employees in the country who want to work on a flexible basis could apply for Flexible Working Arrangements (FWA) with their respective employers under the amendment to the Employment Act 1955, which will come into force on Sept 1.
The FWA application must be made in writing and can cover changes in working hours, working days and also the place of work.
Rozmi said implementing the flexible working hours could help increase workers' productivity and help reduce the risk of stress, while maintaining the quality of life and mental well -being.
"After all, we went through it during implementation of the Movement Control Order which required almost all organisations to adopt the work from home concept.
"This not only allows workers to give full attention to the tasks given because there is no need to commute to work and this can save time and work can be more productive," he added.
He said civil servants should also be considered to work flexible hours according to the suitability of the department.
Rozmi said having flexible working hours also allowed better time management of workers as it enabled them to better arrange their time without neglecting their responsibilities at home, especially for the married ones.
"However, we must also remember that not all types of work are suitable to be done outside the office, but if there are issues such as unsatisfactory quality of work, employers can make regular monitoring by developing an effective system," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Fri Jul 08 2022
In a month, Aida is on the road for about 120 hours, which is equivalent to five days, a situation which is experienced by thousands other workers. - BERNAMA/Filepic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.