‘UNIQLO Malaysia Chooses Silence’ – Toxic Workplace Allegations Spark Employee Outcry on Instagram

Source: SAYS
Article Content:
UNIQLO Malaysia has become the center of heated discussions after a January 17 Instagram post received over 3,400 comments alleging a toxic work culture within the company. The post, originally aimed at promoting Chinese New Year sales, quickly turned into a platform for current and former employees to share their experiences.
The allegations range from unfair treatment, favoritism, and extreme disciplinary actions to neglect of work-life balance by the management.
Employee Stories: Discipline and Inflexibility
One of the most striking comments came from an employee who claimed their leave request, submitted three months in advance, was rejected at the last minute. The manager allegedly blamed the employee for being “inconsiderate.”
💬 “HR is suspicious. They never listen to you. They’ll always find a way to blame you,” said one employee, describing their experience at UNIQLO as a situation of “gaslighting.”
Another employee expressed frustration after receiving a warning for being late due to a motorcycle breakdown.
💬 “In the verbal warning letter, I sarcastically wrote that I’d ask my motorcycle if it wanted to break down so I wouldn’t be late,” they shared.
More Serious Incidents: Breach of Privacy?
One employee alleged that their manager contacted a clinic to obtain personal details about their medical visit. This raises serious concerns about privacy violations under the company’s management.
💬 “Why did you delete my comment about your manager calling the clinic? Is this an attempt to cover up their actions?” the individual questioned.
UNIQLO’s Response: Commitment or Damage Control?
In response to the allegations, UNIQLO Malaysia released a brief statement:
“UNIQLO is committed to ensuring a fair, transparent, and respectful workplace for all employees. We take any feedback received seriously.”
However, no concrete measures have been announced to address the issues raised in the comment section.
Public Reaction and Implications
On social media, many netizens have expressed sympathy for the employees who bravely spoke out. Others demand immediate action from the company to improve its internal work culture.
This case highlights the challenges faced by global brands like UNIQLO in maintaining their reputation amid employee issues. With an increasing number of complaints being aired publicly, can UNIQLO resolve these concerns before its brand image takes a hit?