KUALA LUMPUR – The move to raise fines for employers who fail to comply with the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446) is not suitable for implementation now, said Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan.
He said this is based on the the current state of the Malaysian economy, and with the labour shortage faced by many companies as a result of the implementation of the movement control order (MCO).
“Before the MCO was implemented for the first time last year, the number of migrant workers contributing to Socso (Social Security Organisation) was 1.8 million. But today, just within a year, the figure has dropped to 1.1 million, showing that the country is facing a labour shortage crisis,” he said in reply to Datuk Che Abdullah Mat Nawi (Tumpat-PAS) in the Dewan Rakyat today.
“If we want to revive the economy, we have to increase productivity, and for that, we need manpower, and in this situation, it is probably not a suitable time to raise the fine amount.”
At present, errant employers face a fine of RM50,000 for each violation of Act 446.
Saravanan said 940 investigation papers were opened on employers in various sectors between June last year and last month.
“A total of 618 compounds were also issued for various offences, such as failure to meet the minimum standard of accommodation, including the provision of beds, mattresses and pillows, for workers.” – Bernama, September 28, 2021
