PORT KLANG – The Peninsular Malaysia Labour Department yesterday raided the dormitories of a rubber glove factory here in efforts to enforce the Workers’ Minimum Standards for Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446).
Deputy director-general (operations) Mohd Asri Abdul Wahab said the operation found that the dorms of both male and female workers were built in a former warehouse, which was renovated without certification for use as accommodation.
He said the inspection found that workers were provided with triple-decker beds that require some of them to use ladders.
“From a security point of view, this situation is very dangerous. Almost all the beds are without mattresses, and there is a high probability that the blankets were bought by the workers themselves,” he told reporters after the 10am raid, which also saw the participation of the Occupational Safety and Health Department and Klang district health office.
Initial investigations showed that the employer made an effort to comply with Act 446 by maintaining cleanliness such as providing trash cans, he said, but there are many other conditions stipulated in the law that are not complied with.
The company has been urged to heed the act, to ensure employees’ well-being and safety, he said. – Bernama, December 25, 2020
