Hard to set stop-work rule for bad weather conditions: Zaqy

It is not practical for the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to set blanket rules for exactly when companies should stop work in the event of extreme weather conditions, Senior Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad told Parliament on Oct 16.

- Esther Loi

This is because of the wide range of possible weather conditions and their varying effects on different worksites, said Mr Zaqy, who was responding to questions from MPs on the safety measures in place to protect workers during extreme weather.

There have been a number of instances of erratic weather already in 2024, including thundery showers and strong winds from the Sumatra squall in September and record-high temperatures in May.

Labour MP Melvin Yong (Radin Mas) said erratic weather patterns might become more common with climate change, and asked how the ministry will manage bad weather outcomes such as work delays while ensuring that safety is not compromised.