The cost of internet, WFH devices should be borne by employer

KUALA LUMPUR: Employers should bear the cost of internet and devices used by employees who are directed to work from home (WFH).

President of the Malaysian Digital Chamber of Commerce, Chris Danial Wong explained it is to ensure that employees can carry out the responsibilities provided with adequate facilities just like those obtained in the workplace or office.

However, he said, employees should come forward to discuss with the employer if they have problems getting the facility while working from home.

"I think in this matter there should be 'give and take' (tolerance) between employers and employees. Many employees are affected by WFH, at the same time employers can argue that the cost of employees coming to the office is reduced.

"However, employees can argue that their salaries are cut.

"But when it comes to devices and internet costs, I as an employer feel it should be borne by employers because facilities like this make it easier for employees to carry out their responsibilities," he told Astro AWANI via Skype on Sunday.

However, he agreed with the employer's move to allow employees to take the device from work to use while working at home.

"So it is good that we encourage employers to allow employees to bring the device back from the office to the house. Even if the device is placed in the office, it is not used but when brought home it can help employees perform their responsibilities.

"So employees and employers should compromise on this issue so that they can discuss how both parties can make it easier for them to carry out their responsibilities," he said.

At the same time, employers need to trust employees to take care of company-owned devices.

Meanwhile, commenting on the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) proposal for the government to provide additional incentives to employers and employees, Chris said the government was recommended to increase individual tax relief from RM1,000 to up to RM3,000.

"The tax incentive for this device is not a new thing. The previous tax relief is there but there is a demand for the government to consider increasing (device tax relief) to RM2,000 to RM3,000 per person," he said.