by S BIRRUNTHA/ pic by BLOOMBERG

POS Malaysia Bhd is striving hard to prevent job and salary cuts following the Covid-19 pandemic, which has affected supply chains worldwide, causing the weakening or closing of businesses and the loss of livelihoods.

In a statement released yesterday, Pos Malaysia said it will continue to protect the livelihood of over 15,000 frontliners and operational support employees, and ensure their needs are prioritised.

“There is an increase in parcel volume throughout the Movement Control Order, but Pos Malaysia’s other businesses namely mail, international parcels, Pos Aviation and Pos Logistics, among others have been affected.

“While many severely impacted sectors in the country resorted to salary reductions, job cuts or other drastic measures, Pos Malaysia continues to strive hard in ensuring our employees’ futures are protected,” it added.

The postal delivery service provider also said it is currently undergoing a transformation process to turn the business around, and as the transformation plan progresses and the situation improves, it will ensure better rewards for the people.

“At the same time, while businesses are adjusting to the new normal, we will continue to carry out our responsibilities and serve the country as an essential service provider during these challenging times.

“This spirit is embedded in our DNA and is our obligation under the Universal Service Obligation,” it added.

Pos Malaysia said it is grateful for the collective efforts of its employees, who worked tirelessly to ensure deliveries and services are carried out with minimal disruptions, especially closer to the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.

“We hope to get continuous support from the public and we also hope they understand the difficult challenges that we must endure during these difficult times,” it said.

Recently, Pos Malaysia faced criticisms following news that there will be no bonus payments for its staff this year due to financial constraints from the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Pictures of a mailman who sat helplessly after receiving the bad news over a phone call were circulated in social media, which ignited criticisms.

Malaysians have launched a petition on change.org urging Pos Malaysia to give bonus or “duit raya” to postmen, which, at press time, has reached 20,844 signatures.