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IKEA Singapore extends paid leave to Malaysian staff for GE14

It is estimated that more than 250,000 Malaysians commute daily from Johor to Singapore to work while about 400,000 work and live in Singapore.

With Malaysia having set the date of its 14th general election (GE14) on 9 May 2018 (Wednesday), the day has been declared a public holiday across the nation. However, those working across the causeway in Singapore may have to tap on their annual leave days to exercise democratic right.

Thankfully, that doesn't apply to the 80 Malaysians working in Singapore as the Scandinavian furniture giant would be extending one paid day of leave to its Malaysian employees who wishes to travel home to vote.

Explaining the move, Aldys Kong, IKEA Southeast Asia's benefits and employment manager, told Human Resources: "We take our social responsibilities seriously and we want to enable our co-workers to take individual responsibility too.

This benefit will make it a little easier for them to exercise the right to vote in Malaysia’s election. Anyone needing more than one day will be able to apply for annual leave."

Apart from IKEA, bus operator Go-Ahead Singapore will also extend support to its Malaysian staff through careful planning of shift schedules, Channel NewsAsia reported.

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