Private firms encouraged to hold Family Day in Nov

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Datuk Wee Hong Seng

KUCHING: Private companies should grab the opportunity to hold Family Day in November following Putrajaya’s recent announcement to offer full tax rebate.

Kuching Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCGCCI) deputy secretary-general Datuk Wee Hong Seng said many private companies were already hosting annual dinners, and they might as well expand it to hold a whole day event like Family Day.

“Instead of just a few hours long dinner, they can have a Family Day to include families of employees to foster closer ties among themselves.

“Employees should be regarded as assets of a company, and hence they deserve to enjoy a relaxing day like Family Day,” he told reporters when met at Wisma Chinese Chamber here recently.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced that private companies would get 100 per cent tax rebate for holding 1Malaysia Family Day celebrations in November.

He told Parliament that this was part of the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry’s move to further strengthen the family institution.

Najib took over the ministry in April after Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil stepped down.

“I am glad to announce that November has been fixed for the national-level 1Malaysia Family Day celebrations this year.

“Private companies that hold events to mark the celebration would be given 100 per cent rebate on expenses incurred to organise their respective events,” Najib said recently.

Wee lauded the premier for the ‘good policy’ as he believed healthy interpersonal relationships represented one of the key elements to preserve a harmonious workplace.

“I shall see it as an incentive to encourage private companies to hold Family Day, a one-day event for employees to come together with their respective families.

“Companies have to pay taxes at the end of the day, and now with this 1Malaysia Family Day tax rebate, they should spend it for employees. So go have a Family Day at Damai Beach,” Wee suggested.