Employers have been reminded to allow registered voters reasonable time off to cast their ballots in the 16th Johor State Election on July 11, with those preventing workers from voting facing possible legal action.
The Election Commission (EC) Secretary Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus said employers must comply with Section 25 of the Election Offences Act 1954 (Act 5), which protects workers’ right to fulfil their civic duty.
Under the provision, employers are not allowed to deduct wages or other forms of remuneration from workers who take time to vote. Employers also cannot impose any penalty on employees for exercising their voting rights.
Employers found guilty of refusing to allow or preventing employees from casting their ballots may face a fine of up to RM5,000 or imprisonment of up to one year.
