Selangor Journal
Peninsula Malaysia Labour Department (JTKSM) enforcers at the rubber gloves factory workers’ quarters at Kampung Acheh, Setiawan, Perak, on January 15, 2021. — Picture by Human Resources Ministry @ FACEBOOK

745 investigation papers opened against employers for various offences under Act 446

SUNGAI PETANI, June 12 — A total of 745 investigation papers were opened against employers who committed various offences under the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446) between February and June 8 this year, said Deputy Human Resource Minister Datuk Awang Hashim.

He said of this number, some had been fined and issued compounds totalling over RM3.4 million following inspections on 106,824 units of workers’ accommodation and 19,149 employers nationwide by the Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM).

“From the 745 investigation papers, 125 cases have been taken to the Sessions Court, with the prosecution of 55 cases resulting in fines amounting to RM361,000.

“In addition, 291 cases were compounded involving compound offers totalling more than RM3 million against employers who committed offences under Act 446,” he said after heading an operation on Act 446 and movement control order (MCO) standard operating procedure (SOP) compliance at a factory here yesterday.

Meanwhile, Awang said 2,657 complaints linked to labour issues had been received through the ‘Working For Workers’ application since it was launched on May 3.

He said the complaints included workers’ dissatisfaction over salary cuts, termination of work without notice and being forced to work during the MCO.

“Workers can lodge complaints, and we give our assurance that their identities would be kept confidential. The complaints received will be acted upon quickly and monitored by the highest management level in the ministry,” he said.

On the operation at the factory, Awang said the employer was found to have committed offences under Act 446, namely failing to get accommodation certification from JTKSM and approval from the local authority.

He said the employer also failed to ensure that workers scanned the My Sejahtera QR code, which is an offence liable to an RM10,000 compound under Act 342.

“The ministry would like to remind all employers, centralised accommodation providers and industry players, in general, to always comply with the acts in place to avoid legal action,” he added.

— Bernama

Top Picks

Free tolls on all highways for Aidilfitri on April 8, 9 — Minister

Anwar attends Iftar Madani, breaks fast with nearly 10,000 people

Malaysia committed to reforming economy, embracing innovation — DPM