BUKIT MERTAJAM – Twenty-three employers have been charged over failing to comply with the government’s ruling on the provision of workers’ accommodation in accordance with the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446).
Deputy Human Resources Minister Awang Hashim said since Act 446 came into force on September 1, last year, about 100 operations have been carried out nationwide to check on workers’ living conditions.
"So far, our checks found that 80% of employers have complied and the level of compliance has been satisfactory," he said after an operation at a shoe manufacturing company in the Bukit Tengah industrial area here today.
In the operation conducted in collaboration with the Labour Department, Department of Occupational Safety and Health (Dosh), Social Security Organisation (Socso), state Health Department and Seberang Perai City Council involving 30 personnel, inspections were made on houses used as workers’ accommodation.
Awang said most employers who have been charged failed failed to adhere to standard operating procedures (SOP) as too many workers lived in one room.
"There should only be two persons to a room, but our checks showed there were more than six people in a room. The six to a bathroom rule was also not adhered to, so all these are in violation the SOPs," he said.
Awang said the ministry will continue with its strict enforcement action to ensure employers abide by the Act and procedures set by the National Security Council, adding that if employers abide by the rules, Covid-19 transmissions could go down.
Previously, Act 446 only covered the housing and accommodation in the plantation and mining sectors. Through the amendment, it is now being extended to all employment sectors that provide housing and accommodation for workers. – Bernama, January 29, 2021
