ALOR STAR – Employers must place their workers over profits, said Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Awang Hashim, stressing the importance of prioritising human health and well-being amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Many (coronavirus) cases are occurring among foreign workers due to, among others, the lack of good sanitation facilities, and accommodation that is not managed properly.
“There is no end in sight until herd immunity is achieved through the vaccination campaign.
“I dread to think that a third wave is upon us, with a deadlier variant of Covid-19 that can easily kill those infected even without showing clear symptoms,” he told reporters after a breaking-of-fast event with the Kedah media club here last night.
He said a total of 10,961 (73.9%) major employers were found to not be in compliance with the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446) during inspections conducted by the Labour Department from February 1 to April 15.
The department has conducted checks on 14,835 employers nationwide, involving 95,870 employee accommodation units, reported Bernama.
“Of the total employers inspected, 3,874 (26.1%) of them met (the criteria), while others failed to comply with the act. Inspections were also carried out on 616,216 workers: 572,518 foreign workers and 43,698 local workers,” said Awang.
“A total of 625 investigation papers were opened for various offences, including accommodation not certified by the Labour Department director-general, non-compliance with laws by local authorities, and not providing rest and dining areas to employees.”
He said accommodation provided by employers should offer a safe and conducive environment to workers, whether Malaysians or foreigners.
“The Labour Department provides guidelines, so we will not tolerate, and will prosecute employers who fail to comply with the prescribed act. Thus far, the department has issued 34 employee transfer orders, 2,417 improvement instructions for accommodation units, and 7,885 compliance instructions.
“All employers are expected to abide by the law in order to protect the safety and lives of their employees.” – The Vibes, April 18, 2021
