Aturan Kerja Fleksibel (AKF) Malaysia: How to Apply & Employer Guide

In today’s fast-changing work environment, more companies in Malaysia are moving towards flexible working arrangements to stay competitive.

With rising cost of living, fuel prices, and changing employee expectations, traditional 9–5 working styles are no longer the only option.

This is where Aturan Kerja Fleksibel (AKF) comes in a solution that helps both employers and employees adapt better, improve productivity, and create a more balanced work culture.

What is Aturan Kerja Fleksibel (AKF) in Malaysia?

Aturan Kerja Fleksibel (AKF) is a flexible working arrangement in Malaysia that allows employees to adjust:

Working hours (waktu kerja)
Working days (hari bekerja)
Work location (tempat kerja)

This means employees are not tied to a fixed schedule, as long as they complete their work and meet company requirements.

AKF is officially allowed under: Seksyen 60P & 60Q, Akta Kerja 1955 (Employment Act 1955) effective from 1 January 2023.

Employees in Malaysia can:

Apply for flexible working arrangement
Request work from home (WFH)
Propose changes to working hours or days

Important: AKF is not automatic approval. Employers still have the right to review and decide.

Why Flexible Working Arrangement is Important in Malaysia

With rising cost of living and fuel prices, AKF Malaysia is becoming more relevant for both employers and employees.

Reduce Transport & Fuel Cost

Less commuting helps employees save on:

Petrol
Toll
Parking

Lower Daily Expenses

Employees can reduce:

Eating out
Childcare costs

Adapt to Economic Uncertainty

Flexible working helps businesses stay agile during global challenges.

Better Work-Life Balance

Employees can better manage:

Family commitments
Personal time
Health

Improve Productivity

Flexible employees tend to be:

Less stressed
More focused
More productive

Attract & Retain Talent

For employers, AKF helps:

Reduce turnover
Improve employee satisfaction
Attract younger workforce

Types of Flexible Working Arrangement (AKF Malaysia)

There are 4 main types of AKF that companies can implement:

1. Flexible Working Hours (Waktu Kerja Fleksibel)

Employees can choose their start and end time.

Example:

Start between 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Complete 7.5 hours/day or 45 hours/week
Flexible break (30 min – 1 hour)

Shorter break = can balik earlier.

2. Flexible Working Days (Hari Bekerja Fleksibel)

Employees can adjust how many days they work.

Example:

Change from 6 days → 5 days work week
Choose working days (as long as complete 45 hours/week)

3. Flexible Work Location (Work From Home Malaysia)

Employees can work outside the office.

Example:

Full WFH
Temporary WFH (jaga anak sakit)
Hybrid working (3 days office + 2 days home)

This is one of the most popular flexible working policies in Malaysia today.

4. Combination of Flexible Working

Employers can mix different arrangements.

Example:

WFH + flexible hours
Flexible days + remote work
Fully flexible schedule based on weekly hours

Which Jobs Are Suitable for AKF?

Not all roles can implement flexible working.

Suitable jobs:

Graphic designer
Customer service (call centre)
Programmer / IT roles
Drafter (pelukis pelan)

Not suitable jobs:

Production operator
Security guard
Cleaning staff
Bus driver

Roles that require physical presence are less suitable for AKF.

How to Apply for Flexible Working Arrangement (AKF Malaysia)

Employees can follow these steps:

Step 1: Submit Written Request

Send email or formal letter to employer.

Step 2: Clearly Explain Request

Include:

Type of flexibility (time, day, location)
Reason for request
Suggested working arrangement

Step 3: Wait for Employer Decision

Employer must respond within 60 days.

Response must be in writing:

Approved
Rejected (with reason)

Employer Responsibilities Under AKF

When receiving an AKF request, employers must:

Assess Fairly

Evaluate based on:

Job role
Business needs
Team impact

Maintain Business Operations

Ensure:

Productivity is not affected
Workflow remains smooth

Support Employee Well-being

Consider:

Work-life balance
Mental health
Employee engagement

Build a Modern Workplace

AKF supports:

Digital workplace
Flexible workforce
Future-ready organisation

Get the complete guideline to implement AKF in your company. Download here.

FAQ: Flexible Working Arrangement Malaysia

What is AKF in Malaysia?

AKF is a flexible working arrangement that allows employees to adjust working hours, days, or location under Employment Act 1955.

Is flexible working compulsory in Malaysia?

No. Employees must apply, and employers will decide.

Which law covers AKF?

Akta Kerja 1955 (Seksyen 60P & 60Q).

How long for employer response?

Within 60 days.

Can all jobs apply AKF?

No. Only roles that do not require full physical presence.

Implementing AKF? You’ll Need the Right Team

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