The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) urged the government today to make it compulsory for the private sector to implement a five-day work week in a bid to increase productivity.

Its deputy secretary-general, A Balasubramaniam, said this would also help to streamline the working days with government agencies, departments and the financial institutions.

Speaking to Bernama in Petaling Jaya, Balasubramaniam said MTUC has been receiving complaints that many companies in the shipping, forwarding, logistics and ancillary service sectors were still practising a six-day work week with Saturdays as a half-day.

A survey by the MTUC revealed that these companies dealt mainly with businesses that closed on Saturdays.

"What use is it to open for work when your counterparts are closed," he asked, adding that it was indeed a sheer waste of time and money, besides lowering the morale of employees.

Balasubramaniam said the Human Resources Ministry should take the initiative to educate these businesses on the benefits of a five-day work week, which, among others, will provide leisure and quality time for employees to be with their families and friends, and improve the overall job satisfaction and quality of life.

- Bernama