Non-essential businesses are expected to be closed during the extended Movement Control Order (MCO). Game retail stores don’t really qualify as essential services, so naturally, you’d expect them to be closed as well. Local retailer Gamers Hideout has complied with this. But it would appear that the company has asked its employees to take either annual or unpaid leave during this time.
An internal company memo has since appeared on the internet, stating as much. The memo also states that outlets are to reopen on 1 April. That said, the memo is dated 17 March, which was way before the MCO extension was announced. We’ve contacted Gamers Hideout, and a representative said no outlets are open while the extended MCO is in effect.
A source familiar with the situation said that, while the outlets are closed, some employees are working from home. Others are still working at the company’s HQ dealing with web store orders and packaging. Employees have voiced their concern regarding the decision, but to no avail.
Berikut merupakan FAQ mengenai Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) Kementerian Sumber Manusia Bil. 1 versi Bahasa Inggeris. #StayCalmStayHome#KSMPrihatin pic.twitter.com/fzVVxJX4XL
— Kem. Sumber Manusia (@myksm_mohr) March 26, 2020
The Malaysian government has announced the PRIHATIN financial aid to employees affected by situations like this. You can also hit the link above to find out the steps to check if you’re eligible. And as the Ministry of Human Resources pointed out before, not paying employees during the MCO is illegal. If anyone is in a similar situation, do report it to the Ministry of Human Resources.
