MTUC calls for six-hour work day

The Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) has called on the government to implement six-hour work day, citing the health of employees as a reason.

MTUC president Mohd Khalid Atan told daily Harian Metro that the body has always been championing for lesser working hours, from the current 48 hours per week to 40 hours.

He cited Sweden as one of the countries which had reduced its working hours from eight hours to six per day.

He said a majority of workers in the country are working additional hours of up to four hours a day, bringing the total hours of work to 12 hours a day.

“This has brought various health issues like heart disease, irregular blood circulation and others,” he told the daily.

“Give them a chance to enjoy a wholesome life which emphasizes on health. This will ensure their work productivity is not affected,” he added.

The 40 hour work week for a full-time employee has been trimmed to 30 hours at some Swedish firms, CNN reported while some studies have found that the result is more productivity and better morale.