MCA Public Services and Complaints Department bureau head Datuk Michael Chong believes that although the number of unlawful dismissals is not alarming, there is need for continuous monitoring.

"This year, so far, there have been six cases of pregnant women losing their jobs.

"It was about the same last year. Most of these women were holding clerical positions.

"I felt very sad when they came to me because these women were quite desperate and sought my help as a last resort.

"They've tried all ways to get help and had to incur a lot of extra expenditure."

He says the whole process is very agonising for the victim.

"In many of these cases, the women have tried contacting the Labour Department, but the department is unwilling to help. They claim that they are not able to do anything.

"It is very frustrating for the employee. There is a lot of red tape and loopholes which make it difficult for the victim."

Chong says employers are also unwilling to admit the truth.

"When these bosses agree to talk, they never admit that they fired their employee because she is pregnant.

"They claim that she is always in a bad mood, never worked properly or can't get along with her colleagues.

"Bosses can do wonders, they can have 101 ways to find fault with an employee. Even if you don't smile for one day, they can say you're not cooperative."

But he says employers quickly forget how much information these employees actually have.

"I often remind employers of how many times the employee had 'saved them money' on taxes or kept secrets about their 'other woman'.

"I've encountered very nasty bosses but in the end, they still compromise. After all, if they know how much dirt the employees have on them, they will drop like coconuts."