Kota Kinabalu: Private-sector employers in Sabah have been reminded to allow their workers to exercise their voting rights in the state election this Saturday.
In a statement, the Sabah Labour Department urged employers to grant time off for employees voting at nearby polling centres, or a full day off for those who must travel farther to cast their ballots.
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“Employees who require more than one day to reach their polling stations may use annual leave.
“Employers must discuss with their workers whether to grant time off or annual leave if polling day is not declared a public holiday by the State Government,” the statement read.
The department also warned that employers who fail to comply with Section 25(1) of the Election Offences Act 1954 may face prosecution, with penalties of up to RM5,000 in fines or one year in prison upon conviction.
The Act stipulates that every employer must allow a reasonable period for employees to vote, and must not deduct wages or impose any penalty for their absence during that time.
