Part-time employment, as defined by the International Labour Organization, refers to a job that involves fewer hours than the standard full-time work schedule and does not encompass positions with temporarily reduced work hours. 

The number of part-time hours in Malaysia varies depending on the industry and the specific company. Still, it must adhere to the range specified in the Employment Act 1955 of Malaysia. According to this legislation, part-time employees are individuals whose average weekly work hours are at most 70% of the regular work hours per week and are at most 30% the headcount of full-time employees. Their monthly wages should also be at most RM2,000. 

As a part-time employee, you are entitled to a paid holiday on seven of the gazetted public holidays, which include National Day, Worker's Day, Birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and Birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Negeri (Ruler of the State) or Federal Territory Day. Additionally, you will receive paid leave on any ad hoc public holidays listed under Section 8 of the Holidays Act 1951. 

If you're considering part-time employment, here's a list of benefits to help you decide: 

• As a part-time employee, you'll have more time for personal activities, such as going to the gym or spending time with family and friends, leading to a better work-life balance. 

• Flexible work hours allow for better time management for daily chores or family care. 

• It is a steppingstone to full-time employment, experience, and skill development. Working part-time provides the flexibility to pursue further studies or learn new skills for career growth. 

• Having multiple part-time jobs can increase your earning potential and enhance financial stability. 

If you've recently entered the Malaysian workforce, you might be curious about the differences between part-time and casual employment. Generally, there are four types of employment: part-time, full-time, casual, and temporary.  

Let us discuss casual jobs and how they differ from part-time employment. 

Casual employees help businesses meet staffing needs during major projects or peak periods. They may have an irregular work schedule with no guaranteed work hours or fewer weekly hours. Additionally, they may not be entitled to paid sick leave and lack job security. 

Casual employees may receive higher hourly pay rates than part-time or full-time employees. It's worth noting that casual employees can be long-term or irregular. When casual employees have regular working hours each week and ongoing work, they are often called regular casual employees. 

Part-time employment typically involves working 32 hours per week with a set number of hours and days. It's also considered ongoing or permanent employment. Part-time employees receive benefits such as annual, sick, and parental leave, paid holidays, and possibly paid notice upon termination. 

The difference between part-time and casual employment is that part-time employees can expect ongoing work with guaranteed days or hours per week. Part-time workers have job security and are entitled to receive notice of termination, whereas casual employees do not. Some companies may specify notice periods in their contracts. Employers can terminate casual employees if the reason is discriminatory or against an employee exercising their rights, such as poor performance, misconduct, or business requirements.

Many part timers in Malaysia don’t know their part-time employment rights despite knowing the basics of employment law. Part-time workers are protected under the Employment (Part-Time Employees) Regulations 2010, which is part of the Employment Act 1955. 

Part-time employees are entitled to the same statutory monetary benefits as their full-time counterparts in Malaysia. They also receive Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), Social Security Organisation (SOCSO), and Employment Insurance System (EIS) contributions from their employers. Depending on the employers, they also offer medical allowance and other benefits to their part-time workers at their own discretion. 

Additionally, part-time workers can also enjoy the security of tenure. Employers can’t end your part-time employment without proper reasons or excuses. Illegal dismissals occur when an employer fails to comply with this requirement. 

• Regularisation: You have a regular employment status despite having fewer work hours. 

• Overtime Pay: Part-time workers who are required to work beyond the normal work hours of full-time workers shall receive overtime pay of 1.5 times their hourly rate. 

• Holiday Pay: Part-time workers must be paid no less than three times their daily pay rate should they need to work on a public holiday. 

• Annual Leave: Part-time workers are entitled to paid annual leave of a minimum of six days for those serving less than two years, eight days for two to five years, and 11 days for employees of five years or more in the service. 

To sum up, part-time workers in Malaysia work for no more than 32 hours per week. Part-time employment offers flexibility, allowing you to pursue other jobs for additional income, spend more time with your family, or pursue other activities. Part-time employment also ensures job security despite working fewer hours compared to casual employment. 

Consider your options when you’re joining the workforce for the first time. Work out your career goals to help you choose the path you want to take. 

Register for Part-Time Jobs and find your dream job today!