KUALA LUMPUR – Top Glove Corp Bhd has promised to extend its fullest cooperation to the authorities after 19 investigation papers were opened to look into its workers' accommodation.
With allegations rife that its workers lived in deplorable conditions, the world’s biggest rubber glove manufacturer said efforts to improve its existing worker accommodations are ongoing, in view of the large number of people it employs.
In a statement today, the company said it expects to complete the upgrading efforts around December 31.
“This is in line with the government’s educational approach on employers in various sectors until the end of this year, so that we can comply with Act 446,” it said.
The company also reiterated that it has spent some RM20 million on purchasing 100 apartment units for workers over the past two months to meet the government’s requirements.
“This is in addition to having previously invested in 100 double-storey houses and hostels with full facilities, including in-house canteen, automated teller machines, barbershops and minimarts, worth an estimated RM50 million in total.
“Our workforce is the company’s greatest asset, and we are committed to continue working closely with the relevant authorities to make the necessary improvements towards ensuring the safety, health and well-being of our employees.”
The Labour Department had earlier today said investigations have been opened against Top Glove for failing to comply with the Workers' Minimum Standard of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446).
The investigation comes after thousands of its workers in Meru, Klang, contracted the Covid-19 virus.
As of today, the Teratai cluster, comprising mostly Top Glove workers, saw 5,056 workers test positive after 6,603 were screened. Of the positive cases, 331 (6.5%) are Malaysians and 4,725 (93.5%) are foreigners.
A total of 1,501 tested negative while 46 are awaiting results.
If convicted, employers face a maximum fine of RM50,000 for each offence under Act 446.
On November 26, the Labour Department carried out simultaneous operations on the Top Glove workers' accommodations in Perak, Kedah, Kelantan, Negri Sembilan and Johor.
The department had also recorded several offences after raids on six Top Glove subsidiary companies, which include dense accommodation and hostel space, poor ventilation and living conditions.
Senior Minister (Defence) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had also announced the extension of the enhanced movement control order on the Meru dormitories until December 14. – The Vibes, December 1, 2020
