Starting a new job is an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience, especially when you’ve been through a rigorous interview process, and everything seems to be going smoothly.
Imagine, for a Malaysian woman, the anticipation of her first day at her new job as a marketing executive at a jewelry shop in Kuala Lumpur.
Her story, however, took a surprising turn as her new job abruptly ended on day one. This incident quickly went viral when she took to TikTok to share her shocking experience.
The Promising Beginning
It all began with a promising start. The woman, known on TikTok as Narieana_, successfully cleared her interviews and was ecstatic to begin her role as a marketing executive.
The terms of employment were clear, including the agreed-upon salary. It seemed like a golden opportunity for her, and she eagerly embarked on her first day of work.
The Unexpected Probation Period
However, things took an unexpected turn on her first day. Narieana_ was suddenly informed that she was on a one-week probationary period, a detail that had not been mentioned during the initial job offer and acceptance.
The situation became even more bewildering as she had already negotiated the terms of employment with her employer.
The Abrupt Termination
On the very same day, she was terminated from her position. The reason cited for her dismissal was that her performance did not meet the company’s expectations.
Understandably, Narieana was shocked and frustrated by this abrupt termination, especially after she had invested time and money to secure childcare for her child, in order for her to join the workforce.
A Cry for Fair Employment
In her now-deleted TikTok video, Narieana_ expressed her frustration with the situation. She called out her former company, emphasizing the importance of treating employees with respect and fairness.
“If you didn’t plan on hiring me, you shouldn’t have offered me the job and should have rejected me during my interview,” she exclaimed. Her plea resonated with many who saw her video.
Legal Aspects in Malaysia
The incident raises questions about employment laws and practices in Malaysia. According to Malaysia’s Employment Act 1955, employers are not allowed to hire and fire employees “at-will.”
Terminating an employee’s services should be justified. “Just cause and excuse” for dismissing an employee can include reasons such as negligence or poor work performance.