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Resigning from a job is a common experience in the professional world, and it demands tact and understanding from both employers and employees. The importance of personal goals and organizational impact necessitates the inclusion of notice periods in employment contracts. While most contracts state a specific notice period, some employees wonder if there’s a legal way to skip or shorten it when resigning in Malaysia.
Understanding Notice Periods in Malaysia
In Malaysia, the Employment Act 1955 governs notice periods, which vary depending on the terms outlined in the employment contract. If your contract does not specify a notice period, the minimum period determined by the Employment Act is as follows:
- 4 weeks if employed for less than 2 years.
- 6 weeks if employed for at least 2 years but less than 5 years.
- 8 weeks if employed for at least 5 years.
It is important to note that the Employment Act is applicable only in West Malaysia and primarily covers employees with monthly wages of RM2,000 or less, manual laborers, domestic servants, and other categories listed in the First Schedule of the EA 1955.
Knowing Your Contractual Obligations
Before considering resignation, it’s crucial to thoroughly review your employment contract, including the notice period. Ideally, this should be done before joining the company, ensuring you are aware of the commitment required in case of resignation.
Legal Ways to Shorten Your Notice Period
If you wish to shorten or skip your notice period legally, communication and negotiation are key. Initiate discussions with your employer or HR department to reach a mutual agreement on a suitable departure timeline. Openly expressing your reasons and understanding the business’s needs can lead to a win-win scenario, allowing for a smooth handover of tasks.
Leveraging Remaining Annual Leave
To expedite your departure, you can utilize any unused annual leave days. While this might not entirely eliminate your notice period, it can bring your exit date closer. Keep in mind that your employer has the right to approve or reject your annual leave request, and they may even provide monetary compensation in lieu of unused leave days.
The Last Resort: Buying Out Your Notice Period
In certain cases, when an earlier departure is necessary, you can resort to buying out your notice period. This option, usually available in employment contracts and covered by the Employment Act, allows you to pay a sum equivalent to your monthly income to shorten or waive your notice period.
Keep an eye out for the notice clause in your employment contract, which may specify the notice period you need to serve or the option for payment in lieu of notice. It’s worth noting that your future employer might be willing to bear the cost of buying out your notice period if they require your services urgently.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, navigating the process of resignation in Malaysia requires a proactive approach and a clear understanding of your rights and obligations. By communicating openly with your employer, utilizing annual leave smartly, and, if necessary, exploring the option of buying out your notice period, you can ensure a smooth and respectful transition from your current job to the next phase of your career.