Minister calls for swift action against company for delaying salaries

 The labour department has found that Esstar Vision Sdn Bhd in Pasir Gudang, Johor, has been delaying salary payments since last September.

Human resources minister R Ramanan said appropriate action must be taken against the construction and engineering company following allegations of delayed salary payments to migrant workers.

PETALING JAYA:

 Human resources minister R Ramanan has directed the authorities to take swift action against a Johor-based construction and engineering company following allegations of delayed salary payments to migrant workers.

Yesterday, FMT reported that about 80 migrant workers at Pasir Gudang-based Esstar Vision Sdn Bhd said they had not been paid their wages and overtime claims for the past six months.

The ministry said today the labour department has found that Esstar Vision, which employs 169 workers, including 104 migrant workers from Bangladesh and 65 Malaysian staff, has been delaying salary payments since last September, with some wages for that month only paid in instalments.

It said the department has conducted 16 investigations for unpaid wages under the Employment Act 1955, while eight investigations are ongoing.

“Protecting workers’ rights is a government priority, and there will be no compromise if labour laws are violated,” it said in a statement.

“Consequently, the minister has directed immediate action and further investigation into this company to ensure all aspects of non-compliance are thoroughly examined, and appropriate action is taken in accordance with the law.”

The ministry also said 29 local workers filed 14 labour cases involving RM263,076 in unpaid wages against Esstar Vision last year.

Eighty-six migrant workers and six local workers filed 14 labour cases against the company this year, involving total claims of RM636,414, of which RM578,000 involved foreign workers.

The ministry said it will continue to monitor the workers’ salary payments, and reminded all employers to adhere strictly to labour laws to safeguard their employees welfare and uphold ethical business practices. - FMT