KUALA LUMPUR – More than 700 investigation papers have been opened against 11,813 employers over violations of the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446).
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan said 216 compounds have been issued, totalling RM1,355,500.
“From the 706 investigation papers opened, 121 cases were brought up for prosecution with 39 successfully prosecuted with a cumulative fine of RM301,000, while 216 fines were issued amounting to RM1,355,500. Some 46 employers were issued with vacate orders involving 1,962 workers,” he told a press conference here today.
Enforcement and inspections done by the department up to May 8, he said, saw 17,882 employers with 1,673,060 workers subjected to Act 446 compliance checks.
“These enforcement (activities) and inspections also involved a total of 103,829 accommodations housing a total of 670,455 employees.
“Of the 17,882 employers that were inspected, only 6,069 (33.94%) of them were in compliance with Act 446.”
Based on these developments, Saravanan said any notion or rumours that the enforcement of Act 446 is not taking place should be dismissed.
“These rumours that we have ceased enforcement is not true and legal action will be taken against those who are spreading such fake news.
“We have never cancelled any enforcement, and we will continue to tighten it.”
Under Act 446, employers found guilty could face a maximum fine of RM50,000 for each offence.
In another development, Saravanan said the ministry's Working for Workers (WFW) mobile app, which was launched on May 3, has since recorded 59 complaints from 29 local workers and 30 foreign workers.
“The highest number of complaints are recorded in Kuala Lumpur (19 cases), followed by Selangor (18), Kedah (6) and others (16).
“Among the prevalent issues are dismissal without notice, unpaid salary, annual leaves and employment contract. We wish to urge and encourage all workers to utilise this mobile application as a means to file your grievances in an effort to ensure that workers’ rights are protected.”
Last week, Saravanan said the WFW app would serve as a platform for 15.7 million employees, including foreigners, to submit labour-related complaints and problems.
It is to ensure the rights and welfare of workers affected by employers’ misconducts are protected, and that employers and employees adhere to the country’s labour laws. – The Vibes, May 10, 2021
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