PUTRAJAYA, Jan 17 — Approximately 86.94 per cent of dismissal cases have been resolved at the Industrial Court of Malaysia (MPM) from 2019 to 2023.
The Department of Statistics Malaysia's (DOSM) Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin said this was among the findings of a study on case management at the MPM (by category).
A total of 53,024 case data were received from the MPM during that period.
“The second highest category of cases is non-compliance with awards and collective agreements, which accounts for 9.74 per cent, while the percentage for other categories ranges from 0.04 per cent to 1.62 per cent,” he said after launching the Case Management Study Report at MPM today.
Uzir added that the top five states with the highest case settlement percentages over the period were Selangor with 47.61 per cent, Kuala Lumpur (17.82 per cent), Johor (6.66 per cent), Penang (5.81 per cent), and Perak (4.63 per cent).
The study also highlighted that male complainants were the largest group in dismissal cases, accounting for 72.99 per cent, compared to 27.01 per cent of female complainants.
Regarding the involvement of trade unions and employers, it was found that 77.78 per cent of cases involved trade unions, while 22.22 per cent involved employers.
The manufacturing sector led the involvement in resolving collective agreement-related cases, at 59.34 per cent, followed by logistics (8.30 per cent) and financial services (6.76 per cent).
The study further revealed that 96.71 per cent of collective agreement applications at MPM were renewals, while 3.29 per cent were new agreements.
It also examined the use of mediation to resolve disputes, with 8,020 mediation sessions held over the five years. These sessions were primarily conducted by the Chairman of the Court (80.96 per cent) and the Assistant Registrar (19.04 per cent).
Kuala Lumpur recorded the highest percentage of mediation sessions at 66.49 per cent, followed by Penang (25.43 per cent) and Perak (3.31 per cent).
Uzir added 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, improving MPM management efficiency, reviewing and improving the labour education module and strengthening existing data management for better record-keeping.
The study, conducted from February 8 to December 31 last year, covered data on completed cases, pending cases, settlements through mediation, collective agreements, and awards issued.
in addition, 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, and 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.
— Bernama
