Half of employers don’t observe minimum housing standards for workers

 

Enforcement officers checking one of the shoplots used as a hostel for foreign workers in Taman Tiram, Kulim, Kedah. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Nearly half of employers have failed to comply with the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities (Amendment) Act 2019 (Act 446).

For this year alone, the Peninsular labour department has opened 392 investigation papers into errant employers who failed to provide proper housing for workers.

The department’s deputy director-general (operations) Asri Abd Wahab told Bernama employers in 284 cases were issued compound fines amounting to RM2.71 million.

He lamented that employers had failed to take care of their workers’ welfare in terms of their health, hygiene and safety of accommodation.

“I hope they can come forward and seek advice from the labour department to ensure workers’ accommodation provided by them meet the requirements outlined in the Act.”

Asri spoke to reporters after conducting Op Walit in Kulim. Eight shoplots used as hostels for foreign workers were inspected in Taman Tiram today.

“Today’s operation focussed on whether employers have acquired the certificate of fitness for occupation or at least applied for one.

“Today’s inspection found that the accommodation provided do not have this certificate from the labour department.

“In fact, there were no records of applications for this certificate as required under Act 446,” he said.

Asri said 23 investigation papers were opened today for offences under Act 446, such as not providing beds, mattresses, locked cupboards and toilets. Each offence is punishable with a fine of up to RM50,000, he added.

Thirty enforcement officers took part in the operation today, held jointly with the Kedah occupational safety and health department and the Social Security Organisation. - FMT