Top Glove Corporation Bhd has pledged to meet the year-end deadlines set by Putrajaya before the government goes after any errant employers who fail to comply with the Workers' Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 2019.
The rubber glove maker informed that it will extend its fullest cooperation to the relevant authorities on the matter.
"We wish to clarify that efforts to source for more accommodation and to improve existing worker accommodations are ongoing, in view of the large number of workers we employ.
"We expect to complete the exercise of improving the workers’ accommodation around Dec 31.
"This is in line with the government’s educational approach on employers in various sectors until the end of this year, so that we can comply with Act 446," it said in a statement this evening.
Top Glove was referring to a report that quoted Human Resources Minister M Saravanan as saying that the government would use an educational approach on employers to allow them to comply with the Act.
The company's statement came after the Labour Department was reported to have opened 19 investigation papers against it for failing to adhere to the Act.
Employers who are found guilty of violating the Workers' Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act could face a maximum fine of RM50,000 for each offence.
Saravanan reportedly said that errant employers would not be fined during this period as well, since the enforcement of the Act is still in its early stages.
Top Glove reiterated its effort in improving the living conditions of its workers, through the purchase of 100 units of apartments worth RM20 million in the past two months.
The company has also purchased 100 units of double-storey houses and hostels with full facilities, including in-house canteens, automated teller machines, barbershops and mini-markets, worth an estimated RM50 million in total.
"Our workforce is the company’s greatest asset, and we are committed to continuing to work closely with the relevant authorities to make the necessary improvements towards ensuring the safety, health and well-being of our employees," it added.
Top Glove has been in the spotlight after about 3,400 workers in Klang contracted Covid-19, which led to the workers' accommodations being put under the enhanced movement control order (MCO).
The enhanced MCO was initially imposed from Nov 17 to 30, but the National Security Council extended the order until Dec 14.
The Labour Department was not happy with the living conditions of Top Glove workers in five states, namely Perak, Kedah, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan and Johor. - Mkini
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