Kuala Lumpur: A total of 86.94% of dismissal cases have been resolved at the Industrial Court of Malaysia (MPM) over a five-year period from 2019 to 2023.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin stated that this was among the findings of a study on case management at the MPM by category.
He revealed that a total of 53,024 case data were received from the MPM during this five-year period. "The second highest category of cases is non-compliance with awards and collective agreements, which accounts for 9.74%, while the percentage for other categories ranges from 0.04% to 1.62%," he said after launching the Case Management Study Report at MPM.
Mohd Uzir further noted that the top five states with the highest case settlement percentages over the five-year span were Selangor with 47.61%, Kuala Lumpur (17.82%), Johor (6.66%), Penang (5.81%), and Perak (4.63%).
The study also highlighted a gender disparity, with male complainants being the largest group in dismissal cases, accounting for 72.99% compared to 27.01% female complainants. Regarding the involvement of trade unions and employers, it was found that 77.78% of cases involved trade unions, while 22.22% involved employers.
In terms of industry involvement, the manufacturing sector led in resolving collective agreement-related cases at 59.34%, followed by logistics (8.30%) and financial services (6.76%). The study revealed that 96.71% of collective agreement applications at MPM were renewals, while 3.29% were new agreements.
The use of mediation to resolve disputes was also examined, with 8,020 mediation sessions held over the five years. These sessions were primarily conducted by the Chairman of the Court (80.96%) and the Assistant Registrar (19.04%). Kuala Lumpur recorded the highest percentage of mediation sessions at 66.49%, followed by Penang (25.43%) and Perak (3.31%).
Mohd Uzir emphasized that the study identified eight strategic focus areas, with 21 initiatives and 21 action plans aimed at improving case management at MPM. These include strengthening case management, enhancing MPM management efficiency, reviewing and improving the labour education module, and strengthening existing data management for better record-keeping.
Conducted from February 8 to December 31, 2024, the study covered data on completed cases, pending cases, settlements through mediation, collective agreements, and awards issued. Additionally, 19 focus group discussions and interviews were conducted, involving 69 representatives from ministries, departments, agencies, academics, employers' associations, and trade unions.
The study is policy-oriented, designed to assist policymakers and stakeholders in improving policies, legislation, and the implementation of existing programmes. It offers practical recommendations that can help enhance the management and outcomes of industrial relations.