KUALA LUMPUR – A worker from Zoo Negara has filed a police report against his employer for compelling staff members to attend work without approval letters from the International Trade and Industry Ministry.
According to the police report sighted by The Vibes, staff members of the Malaysian Zoological Society were given letters asking them to attend work, despite the zoo’s closure.
Malaysian Zoological Society Union (MZSU) president K. Maran told The Vibes that even non-essential workers were required to attend work.
“Zoo Negara is clearly not following the law,” he said.
“Non-essential workers, like those working in customer service and the ticketing counters, are asked to attend work.
“What work are they going to do there when no one is allowed to visit the zoo in the first place?” Maran asked when contacted.
Meanwhile, A Sivananthan, general counsel to the Malaysian Trades Union Congress and advisor to MZSU confirmed the matter, adding that the police have yet to take action.
When The Vibes contacted the Taman Melawati police station, where the report was filed, an officer there said the matter had to be referred to the Labour Department.
“We have not taken action because no crime has been committed. Instead, this case must be referred to the Labour Department or National Security Council,” the station’s spokesman told the Vibes.
As of time of publishing, The Vibes is awaiting an official response from the zoo.
This is not the first time Zoo Negara has had disputes with its workers.
In 2018, Maran sued his employers alleging union-busting practices, which the industrial court agreed to. – The Vibes, January 21, 2021
