THE raids conducted on companies show that the Government is serious in enforcing the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446).
“We have conducted multiple raids after getting instructions from Putrajaya. The operations are conducted statewide and will continue to do so regularly.
“To date, we have opened 10 investigation papers since last year,” Perak Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM) director Muhamad Fauzi Abd Ghani told FocusM.
In recent weeks, the Perak JTKSM has conducted raids on multiple factories, which have failed to comply with Act 446 in providing proper accommodation and facilities for their workers, including foreign ones.
In Lumut, the labour department found almost 1,000 workers of a rubber glove factor living in squalid condition at two separate locations.
Subsequently, a plaster ceiling manufacturing factory in Chemor was raided, where its management have yet to obtain the accommodation acknowledgment letter from JTKSM.
The labour department had since opened investigation papers against the plaster ceiling manufacturing factory.
Touching on the matter, Fauzi said that his department has prepared a list of factories to be inspected in the due course of time.
However, the official reiterated that his department was not merely focused on punishing the companies but also raise awareness of the importance of complying with Act 446.
“I want companies to know that we’re ready to assist them in whatever means necessary to help them comply with Act 446,” he added.
On accommodation for all workers, Fauzi said that there were two aspects to it; which are dormitories and other housing facilities such as shop lots, apartments and others.
As for dormitories, Fauzi said that each worker’s bed must be distanced at least three-square foot from one another.
“And it must provide one restroom for 15 workers. As for non-dormitory type, it must have one restroom for six workers,” he said.
Workers must also be provided with mattresses (minimum 4-inches thick) and wardrobes with locks to keep their personal belongings.
“The accommodation must also have kitchen facilities, fans, proper lighting and of course, garbage bins for waste disposal,” Fauzi added.
On that note, Fauzi reminded employers that many workers’ rights bodies, both local and foreign, are keeping a close watch on how local companies are treating its employees.
“Even the International Labour Organization (ILO) is scrutinising us now. So, I hope employers would take note and abide by the regulations,” he remarked. – Jan 18, 2021.
