Minimum wage complaints: Don’t lie Riot

Jerit had submitted 100 complaints to the Human Resources Ministry between February and September this year and only two cases were investigated.

KUCHING: A human rights NGO has slammed Human Resource Minister Richard Riot for claiming that neither the Malaysian Trade Union Congress ( MTUC) nor any individuals or organisations had not complained about the abuse of the minimum wage policy.

The Oppressed People Network (Jerit) said Riot’s claim was a “blatant lie”.

Jerit secretary M Sivaranjani said Riot had reportedly said earlier this week that  there were no complaints from MTUC, or any individuals on the misuse of minimum wage policy or of it not being implemented by the employers.

“I’m of the view that the minister’s statement is a blatant lie and is irresponsible.  JERIT has raised more than 100 cases to the ministry of human resources since the minimum wage has been implemented,” she said in a statement .

She said Jerit had handed more than 100 complaints from February till September this year against the employers who have either not implemented minimum wage policy or have manipulated it by including allowances to the wage of the workers which is against the policy.

“On 9 September 2013, Jerit received a letter from the Ministry, which stated that the complaints have been passed on to the relevant labour office to take further action.

“We query the minister on his ignorance of the issue. Jerit  views the matter seriously.

“Riot as the Minister responsible of the welfare of the workers should know his facts better.

“His statement merely shows that the Minister has no clue on the implementation and problems faced by the workers,” she said.

She also said that due to the overwhelming number of complaints from workers on the implementation of minimum wage, Jerit had twice requested a meeting with the Riot.

Serious problem

The two letters – dated 12th July and 20th this year –  were sent to Riot but unfortunately there  has been no response from the Minister to date.

Jerit further pointed out that of the 100 complaints lodged, the Ministry had only responded to  two cases.

“Therefore, there is a serious problem in the implementation, monitoring and enforcement of minimum wage. To add insult to the injury, now the Minister claims he is unaware of the complaints.” he added.

While there are still many issues hanging on the implementation of minimum wage, the Ministry and National Wage Consultative Committee are continuously providing an extension to the employers to delay the implementation of minimum wage.

“We urges the Human Resource Ministry to seriously address the issues and ensure the workers benefit from the policy.

“We urge the Minster to meet Jerit and the workers representatives to know the real issues at hand. If he is unaware, we can make him aware!” she said.