Written Answer to PQ on Protecting Employees and Whistleblowers during Workplace Bullying Investigations

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1159 OF 2026 FOR THE SITTING ON OR AFTER 12 JANUARY 2026
QUESTION NO. 98 FOR ORAL ANSWER

MP: Dr Wan Rizal

To ask the Minister for Manpower (a) whether more needs to be done to protect employees and whistleblowers during workplace bullying investigations within organisations; and (b) if so, what additional measures are being considered.

Answer:

1. The Tripartite Advisory on Managing Workplace Harassment encourages employers to implement practices to prevent and deal with harassment cases, including bullying, at the workplace while ensuring that whistleblowers will not be penalised. Workers who experience retaliation can approach the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) for assistance.

2. When the new Workplace Fairness Act comes into force in end 2027, employers will be required to put in place grievance handling processes for workplace harassment and discrimination, and must protect the confidentiality of employees who report grievances to the extent possible. Employers will be prohibited from retaliating against employees and whistleblowers with genuine grievances, and financial penalties can be emposed on those who do so.