Glove maker Laglove found flouting Act 446, minister warns action

THE Human Resources Ministry will not hesitate to take action against any business owners that fail to comply with the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446).

“We’re not making empty promises. Our team is going all out to ensure compliance by employers to ensure all their workers get to live in decent accommodation,” Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M Saravanan pointed out in a statement.

The minister made the comment following a raid conducted on glove maker, Laglove (M) Sdn Bhd’s premises in Kajang, Selangor.

The raid was also joined by officers from the Malaysia Civil Defence Force, the Hulu Langat District Health Department, the District Information Department and Saravanan himself. 

Sources from the Peninsula Malaysia Labour Department told FocusM that the company was found flouting Act 446 during the raid, as the migrant workers were found living in containers. 

“The company employs 759 migrant workers and 22 locals. During the raid, many ran away from the authorities,” revealed the source.

Subsequently, the Hulu Langat district office had seized the workers’ housing for allegedly being built without proper authorisation.

“The health department had also shut down the place for seven days,” said the source.

However, the Labour Department could not confirm if there are COVID-19 cases found at the premises.

“We are still in the midst of getting statements from Laglove’s owner. We will decide on the next course of action later,” the source added.

On related matter, Saravanan urged all employers to comply with Act 446 or risk action being taken against them.

“My team will continue with its pro-active approach to ensure Act 446 and all other regulations are followed to the book consistently,” the Tapah MP added.

Recently, the Labour Department’s announced that it has opened 19 investigation papers against major glove maker, Top Glove Corp Bhd, on allegations of flouting Act 446.

Another company, Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd, has also received negative limelight after it was found keeping mum on COVID-10 outbreak among its workers. – Dec 21, 2020

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