A recent case in Malaysia has highlighted the importance of proper leave management and the consequences of abusing sick leave. The Industrial Court recently ruled in favor of MAB Kargo, a subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, affirming the company’s right to terminate an employee who misused extended sick leave for personal activities.
The Case: Sick Leave Misuse Leads to Dismissal
The employee, who had been with MAB Kargo for six years, was granted medical leave from May 22, 2021, to September 21, 2021, following a serious road accident. However, during this period, he was found engaging in physically demanding activities such as playing sepak takraw and tree-cutting. The court found this to be a serious violation of company trust, stating that sick leave is meant for recovery, not personal recreation.
The company had paid his full salary for the four months of medical leave, only to later discover evidence of his unauthorized activities. After an internal disciplinary review, MAB Kargo upheld the decision to terminate the employee, citing a breach of trust. The court supported this decision, reinforcing that employers have the right to take disciplinary action against employees who misuse medical leave.
Why Proper Leave Management Matters
This case highlights the importance of an effective leave management system. While personal discipline plays a key role in responsible sick leave usage, a structured system helps employers track leave patterns, verify medical certificates, and ensure compliance with company policies and labor laws. A well-managed leave system promotes transparency, reduces administrative burdens, and supports fair enforcement of sick leave policies.
How Pandahrms Can Help?
At Pandahrms, our Leave Management System is designed to help businesses effectively track and manage employee leave with features that promote accountability and transparency:
- Automated Leave Tracking: Easily monitor employee leave records to detect patterns of absenteeism.
- Approval Workflow: HR and managers can review and approve leave requests based on company policies.
- Leave Policy Enforcement: Ensure compliance with company leave policies, preventing potential misuse.
- Integration with Attendance System: Cross-check leave records with attendance data for better oversight.
By implementing a digital leave management solution like Pandahrms, businesses can minimize risks associated with leave abuse, enhance workforce productivity, and maintain trust within the organization.
Conclusion
The case of sick leave abuse at MAB Kargo serves as a strong reminder of the importance of having a structured leave management system in place. Employers must take proactive steps to prevent leave misuse and ensure compliance with company policies.
With Pandahrms’ Leave Management Module, which is part of our all-in-one HRMS system, you can effectively manage employee leave, automate tracking, and reduce risks associated with absenteeism abuse.
Looking for a reliable leave management solution? Contact us today for a personalized demo and see how Pandahrms can streamline your HR processes!
