Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar leads the integrated operations of the Peninsula Malaysia Labour Department (JTKSM) at Pasar borong Selayang .—ONG SOON HIN/The Star Reporter Kuma Reporter
KUALA LUMPUR: Over RM4.3mil in fines and compounds have been issued for various labour offences this year, says Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar.
He added a total of 1,654 investigation papers (IP) were opened between January and October this year.
“These papers covered offences under the Employment Act, Employees’ Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations and Amenities Act as well as the Minimum Wage Order.
“We issued fines totalling RM391,236 over 357 of those IPs while 775 other IPs led to RM3.958mil in compound notices issued against the offenders,” he told reporters after attending an operation at Pasar Borong KL yesterday.
He said enforcement officers from the ministry raided the wet market after receiving numerous complaints.
“We want to ensure that none of the workers here are facing discrimination.
“Some of the allegations were that workers were not being taken care of by their employers.
“Some employers were found to have failed to make Employee Provident Fund (EPF) and Socso contributions for their workers.
“We also received information that some employers were not paying their workers,” he said.
He added that many workers received their wages in cash.
“This is an offence unless they get approval from the Peninsula Malaysia Labour Department (JTKSM) director general.
“The reason we want employers to pay wages through bank transactions is to ensure that there is a record and no manipulation is involved,” said Sivakumar. By AUSTIN CAMOENS
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