A series of raids by the Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM) today has reportedly uncovered unsanitary and crowded living conditions for workers of a glove manufacturer, according to media reports.
JTKSM labour standards director Mohd Asri Abdul Wahab reportedly said the department has conducted checks on 13 double-storey houses in Tasek, Ipoh, which were being used as hostels by the company.
It found breaches in the Workers' Minimum Standard of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446), which was recently expanded to include all industries.
“Each hostel is supposed to have from 10 to 12 workers. However, we found that some units housed 15 to 20 workers each.
“During our inspection in all 13 hostels, which are double-storey houses, we discovered that mattress and beds were in the dining and living areas,” The Star quoted him as saying today after the checks.
Asri added that the department has found gas cylinders and clothes “scattered everywhere”.
The Malay Mail, meanwhile, quoted Asri as saying that the company also failed to obtain an ‘accommodation acknowledgement letter’ from JTKSM.
The name of the company was not mentioned in either report.
However, The Star stated that the operation was conducted “following a surge in Covid-19 cases linked to the company's factory in Selangor”.
Meanwhile, Asri said the JTKSM is conducting similar operations in Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Kelantan and Kedah, which would involve the company’s subsidiaries.
The raids followed Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announcement yesterday that the Human Resources Ministry will begin the enforcement of Act 446 today.
The move was made following a severe outbreak involving glove manufacturer Top Glove’s workers’ dormitories in Meru, Klang, which has propelled the Teratai cluster into becoming the largest Covid-19 cluster ever recorded in Malaysia.
According to Health Ministry figures, 4,093 cases have been recorded in the Teratai cluster up to noon today, including one that is currently being treated in an intensive care unit.
Asri noted that the government had allowed a grace period for the enforcement of Act 446 up to Sept 1.
“However, we are in November and it’s already more than two months from the grace period.
“By right, all employers should be aware of this Act by now and apply for the accommodation acknowledgement certificate. This can be done online via our website,” The Malay Mail quoted him as saying.
For the record, Human Resources Minister M Saravanan had described accommodation for Top Glove workers as “terrible”, while the company responded by highlighting improvements it has made over the years. - Mkini
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