KUALA LUMPUR – Following a raid on a glovemaker in Kajang and the human resource minister’s damning comment yesterday, parent company Brightway Holdings Sdn Bhd has denied that hundreds of its workers have been living in squalid conditions in metal shipping containers.
Datuk Seri M. Saravanan had likened the situation to “modern slavery” after witnessing first-hand the tiny, cramped rooms the foreign workers live in.
Brightway Holdings confirmed to Reuters last night that the raid had taken place yesterday at its subsidiary, but denied its workers were living in shipping containers.
The company was also quoted as saying that the factory had fewer workers than the number given by the ministry spokesman.
Saravanan also said that the authorities will take action against the employer, pursuant to the Workers Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990.
Brightway Holdings human resources manager Alice Michael told Reuters that the workers were living in a three-storey building close to the factory but outside its boundary.
“There are only 450 workers, many of whom have hostels further away, but were brought into this building temporarily,” she said.
It was reported that the company will meet the ministry next Tuesday.
The factory has been ordered to shut for seven days following the raid. – The Vibes, December 22, 2020
