Ethics
Introduction
This paper describes the levels of environmental regulations in Singapore and Malaysia. It further describes and discusses legislation regarding Singapore and Thailand’s working hours and wages. Finally, I will explain whether these regulations concerning environmental and labor laws are sufficient enough.
Environmental regulation levels in Singapore and Malaysia
Singapore is a small city-state that is often reputed as a model green city. This reputation arises from Singapore’s efforts in controlling urban pollution and congestion, in addition to maintenance of green landscapes in the built environment. Unlike Singapore, Malaysia has a poor environmental reputation which is attributable to loss of biodiversity, deforestation, and marginalization of native populations in resource management decisions (Perry & Singh, 2001).
Many transnational corporations have their regional headquarters in Singapore. Singapore as a “developmental state” has shifted its primary focus on maximizing instant economic opportunities while shielding businesses from being scrutinized by NGOs or the larger community. As a result, though the per capita incomes have now increased drastically compared to most older industrial states, there is less attention to issues regarding environmental responsibility. Singapore is not regarded a developed state, otherwise international obligations and economic implications would be raised. The responsibilities include those provided under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (Perry & Singh, 2001).
Both countries are making efforts in advocating for corporate voluntary environmental initiatives with the aim of strengthening environmental management. Malaysia’s efforts with regard to environmental concerns are higher compared to Singapore (Perry & Singh, 2001). Malaysian lawmakers have shown their efforts in strengthening environmental protection. In addition, there is much involvement of NGOs and the World Bank in promoting “informal” regulation, which has raised community pressure on businesses to be concerned with environmental performance (Perry & Singh, 2001).
Legislation regarding working hours and wages
According to a report by the International Labor Organization, Singapore’s workers are subjected to longest working hours. Singapore legislation does not provide for minimum wage for workers. The Employment Act only stipulates that employees should be paid in a timely manner, at least once in a month (The Law Society of Singapore). The legislation regulates work hours for employees earning below $2,000 SGD per month. The Employment Act provides that such workers should not work for more than eight hours daily or 44 hours weekly. Beyond this hour limit, workers are entitled to 1.5 times their hourly pay rate. The Act also entitles them to a break after six hours of work. However, employees in management or higher status may work for longer hours depending on the contractual terms.
The Malaysian Employment Act of 1955 provides the legal framework for wage and salary payment, as well as working hours. The Act provides that a wage period should be within a month’s time, unless otherwise agreed by the parties under a contract of employment. The Act does not regulate all aspects of wages. For instance, levels and rates of payment are to be ascertained through negotiations between employers and their employees. According to the Act, ordinary working hours should not go beyond eight hours per day or 48 hours per week. In 2012, the government introduced minimum wage of RM900 per month for Peninsular Malaysia and RM800 per month for Labuan, Sarawak, and Sabah (Elangkovan, 2012). This legislation is intended to benefit many private sector employees, but not employees in the domestic services (Elangkovan, 2012). Practically speaking, workers in the country are usually subjected to poor working conditions characterized by long working hours and low pay, which has compelled most of them to look for employment in the neighboring Singapore state where payment is far much better.
Do you think the country’s environmental regulation is sufficient?
Singaporean environmental law is not sufficient. This is due to the fact that the government is more interested in generating high income rather than protecting the environment. Though there is some legislation on environmental sustenance, Singapore is not doing enough to protect its environment. This is due to the fact that the country’s affluence arising from investments by foreign transnational corporations heightens its Western expectations on environmental responsibility. It is contended that Malaysia has got enough legislation on environmental regulation but the problem is enforcement of those laws. Thus, in order to achieve environmental sustenance goals, the government must ensure that the enacted laws are effectively implemented.
Do you feel that the country’s hour and wage legislation is ethical?
The Singaporean legislation on minimum wage and working hours is not ethical because there is no stipulation of fair and just conditions for workers to be able to have reasonable lives. Provision of minimum wage in legislation ensures that employees are not exploited by employers who wish to pay unjust low wage. Furthermore, the desperation of people looking for employment diminishes their bargaining power in terms of negotiating for decent employment terms. Malaysia’s recent legislation which on minimum wage is ethical due to the fact that it reduces the chances of exploitation of workers by the employers. The legislation on minimum wage must have considered economic and social factors which include, but not limited to, employment, competitiveness, productivity, and cost of living. This is because minimum wage legislation tends to realize positive wage impacts and little employment impact among workers. Malaysia’s legislation on working hours is also ethical because it protects the rights of workers.
References
Elangkovan, K. (2012). Minimum Wage Laws in Malaysia: People’s Perspective. University of Putra, Malaysia.
Malaysian Employment Act, 1955.
Perry, M. & Singh, S. (2001). Corporate Environmental Responsibility in Singapore and Malaysia – The Potential and Limits of Voluntary Initiatives.
The Law Society of Singapore. Employment Law. Retrieved on November 9, 2013 from: http://www.lawsociety.org.sg/forPublic/YoutheLaw/Employment.aspx
