Saturday, 23 March 2024 11:52 AM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR: Some people are quitting their jobs on camera for a TikTok trend.
The clips, posted with titles, including "quit my job with me," feature videos of resignation emails and online calls with their management.
Many expressed dissatisfaction with their jobs or were experiencing burnout, with some revealing employers’ information.
While the trend has yet to catch on in Malaysia, experts urged employees to think twice before jumping on the bandwagon, as it could lead to legal repercussions.
Senior lawyer Datuk Geethan Ram Vincent said from a legal perspective, revealing the name and issues faced in a company was a risky route as it could lead to the post being defamatory and the employee being sued.
Referring to problems faced in the company during your employment may result in the post being defamatory in nature, especially if the allegations were untrue, unfounded or could not be proven, he said.
This could lead to the company suing for defamation, he added.
"In some cases, companies or employers may lodge police reports.
"Defamation is an offence under Section 499 and 500 of the Penal Code, punishable by imprisonment for up to two years or a fine, or both."
Also, he said, speaking negatively about your previous employment and displaying it to the public might lead to future employers being wary of hiring you.
National Human Resources Association of Malaysia president Zarina Ismail said employers could initiate legal action against employees for disclosing company information.
"Companies have their own data protection requirements and rules. Employees would have to sign a form agreeing not to reveal confidential information.
"Employers can initiate legal action if employees did anything that could tarnish a company’s reputation."
She called on employees to discuss with their employers if they were unhappy with their jobs or were facing issues.
"If there is dissatisfaction, they could take the issue to the Labour Office or court.
‘But if they wish to tarnish the company’s image (by posting the issues online), then that would be a mistake because that decision could backfire."