Ramadhan Working Hours 2025: A Guide for Employers in Malaysia

Ramadhan is a significant month for Muslim employees in Malaysia, bringing changes in daily routines, including work schedules.

Many companies adopt flexible or shorter working hours during this period to accommodate fasting employees.

As an employer, understanding the best practices and legal considerations for working hours in Ramadhan 2025 is essential to maintaining productivity and supporting your workforce.

Are Employers Required to Reduce Working Hours During Ramadhan?

There is no specific law under the Employment Act 1955 that mandates shorter working hours for Muslim employees during Ramadhan.

However, many companies implement policies that allow flexibility in working arrangements as a form of support and respect for fasting employees.

Working Hour Adjustments During Ramadhan: Public vs Private Sector

1. Public Sector (Government Employees)

The Malaysian government typically reduces working hours for civil servants during Ramadhan. The standard adjustment is:

Regular Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Ramadhan Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (30 minutes earlier)

This adjustment helps employees manage their energy levels and prepare for breaking fast in the evening.

2. Private Sector (Company Policies Vary)

For private companies, adjustments depend on individual company policies. Common approaches include:

Shortened Work Hours: Example: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM instead of 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
Flexible Work Arrangements: Employees may start earlier and finish earlier (e.g., 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM).
Remote Work Options: Some companies allow employees to work from home to reduce commuting fatigue.

As an employer, you are encouraged to communicate with your employees and consider implementing adjustments that benefit both the company and employees.

Benefits of Flexible Working Hours During Ramadhan

1. Improved Productivity

Shorter or flexible hours help employees manage their energy levels more effectively, ensuring they remain focused and productive.

2. Better Employee Engagement

Showing consideration for employees’ religious obligations fosters a positive workplace culture and enhances job satisfaction.

3. Reduced Absenteeism

Flexible policies can help minimize absenteeism as employees feel more accommodated and less exhausted from balancing work and fasting.

Tips for Employers to Manage Work Schedules in Ramadhan

Plan Workloads Effectively: Assign crucial tasks earlier in the day when energy levels are higher.
Limit Lengthy Meetings: Keep meetings concise to avoid draining employees' energy.
Encourage Breaks: Allow short breaks for rest and prayer.
Use Digital Tools: Optimize collaboration with remote work options and virtual meetings.
Ensure Fair Treatment: Avoid overloading non-fasting employees with additional work.

Example of Ramadhan Working Hour Policy for Companies

To maintain transparency, companies should draft an official policy. Here’s an example:

Policy: Ramadhan Working Hours (Effective from March 2025 - April 2025)

Working hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Monday - Friday)
Lunch break replaced with shorter rest breaks
Work-from-home (WFH) allowed for eligible employees once in a week
No major deadlines scheduled in the late afternoon

Conclusion: Employers Should Prioritize Flexibility

While adjusting working hours during Ramadhan is not a legal requirement, implementing flexible policies can benefit both employers and employees.

A supportive work environment leads to better productivity, engagement, and retention.

Employers are encouraged to discuss arrangements with their employees to ensure a smooth and balanced work experience during Ramadhan 2025.

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