DRAFTSMEN MAY BE ALLOWED TO WORK FROM HOME

TAMPIN (Malaysia), Nov 7 (Bernama) -- The Works Ministry may allow its
draftsmen to work from home from next year, Minister Shaziman Abu Mansor said.

He said a special team would be set up to study the effectiveness of the
move.

"The probation period is three months, from January. The team will monitor
the productivity of those involved in the initiative," he told reporters after
attending the southern state of Negeri Sembilan Public Works Department's family
day here Saturday.

The proposal was raised at the ministry's meetings as it could increase
productivity, help reduce the workers' transportation cost and the cost of
maintaining their office, he said.

He said that the practice was common place in developed countries and that
several international companies, which opened their operations in Malaysia, also
encouraged their staff to work from home, he said.

"We should be brave enough to make a change if we feel that it can bring
benefit to all," he said.
-- BERNAMA