Malaysia Election Body Urges Employers to Allow Staff to Vote

Malaysia's Election Commission (SPR) has called on employers to provide adequate time for their registered employees to cast their ballots in the Johor state election this Saturday. The commission acknowledged public concerns about potential employer obstruction of voting rights.

SPR Secretary Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus emphasized that employers must comply with Section 25 of the Election Offences Act 1954. This law ensures that registered employees can fulfill their civic duty without facing repercussions.

The act explicitly forbids employers from deducting salaries or imposing any penalties on workers for taking time to vote. Any employer who directly or indirectly refuses to grant reasonable time or hinders an employee's ability to vote commits an offense.

Such violations carry a potential penalty of a RM5,000 fine or a one-year prison sentence. The SPR expressed hope for full employer cooperation to facilitate a smooth voting process and encourage high voter participation in the election.