Analysing The Legal Status Of Interns Under Malaysian Employment Law
Abstract
ABSTRAK
Kertas ini mengkaji status perundangan bagi pelatih industri dan sukarelawan di bawah undang-undang pekerjaan Malaysia, dengan penekanan pada Akta Kerja 1955 (EA 1955) dan undang-undang berkaitan. Pelatih industri dan sukarelawan sering berada dalam kedudukan yang samar dalam pasaran buruh, menyebabkan cabaran dalam menentukan hak dan perlindungan mereka. Kajian ini meneliti sama ada pelatih dan sukarelawan layak dianggap sebagai pekerja di bawah undang-undang Malaysia, menganalisis tanggungjawab majikan berkaitan dengan imbuhan, waktu kerja, dan faedah, serta mengetengahkan jurang dalam kerangka perundangan sedia ada. Melalui analisis perundangan, wawancara dengan pihak berkepentingan, dan kajian perbandingan dengan bidang kuasa antarabangsa, kertas ini mengenal pasti isu-isu utama dan mencadangkan langkah praktikal dan dasar untuk memastikan kejelasan dan keadilan bagi kedua-dua pihak. Penemuan ini bertujuan untuk membimbing majikan, pembuat dasar, dan individu dalam menangani kekaburan undang-undang berkaitan pelatih industri dan sukarelawan di Malaysia.
Kata kunci: latihan industri, Akta Kerja 1955, perlindungan, hak, gaji
ABSTRACT
This paper examines the legal status of internships and volunteering under Malaysian employment law, with a focus on the Employment Act 1955 (EA 1955) and related statutes. Interns and volunteers often occupy ambiguous positions within the labor market, creating challenges in determining their rights and protections. The paper explores whether interns and volunteers qualify as employees under Malaysian law, analyzes employer obligations regarding compensation, working hours, and benefits, and highlights potential gaps in existing legal frameworks. Through legal analysis, and a comparative study with international jurisdictions, the paper identifies key issues and proposes practical and policy-level recommendations to ensure clarity and fairness for both parties. These findings aim to guide employers, policymakers, and individuals in addressing the legal ambiguities surrounding internships and volunteering in Malaysia.
Keywords: internships, Employment Act 1955, protection, wage, rights
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