Workers' Dorm Fire: JTKNS Launches Investigation Under Act 446

SEREMBAN, July 2 (Bernama) -- The Negeri Sembilan Labour Department (JTKNS) has launched an investigation into a company over alleged non-compliance with the Employees’ Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446) at a construction site.

State Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, Climate Change, Cooperatives, and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman S. Veerapan said the investigation was initiated following a fire involving 30 container units serving as workers’ dormitories at Forest Heights here two days ago.

“Initial investigations found that the accommodation, provided by a company acting as the main contractor, lacked valid certification under Act 446.

“As such, an investigation paper has been opened under Section 24D of Act 446, and all workers have been instructed to relocate to a certified Centralised Labour Quarters (CLQ),” he said in a statement today.

He added that there were about 46 certified CLQs operating in Negeri Sembilan and that employers who did not provide their own CLQ could choose from the available list to house their workers.

“I have repeatedly reminded employers to house their workers only in certified CLQs. I hope there will be no more violations like this. We will go all out against any party that refuses to comply with the law,” he said.

Veerapan said that JTKNS would not compromise on workers' welfare and reminded subcontractors bringing foreign workers to any factory in the state that they must provide proper accommodation and ensure timely wage payments.

He said JTKNS would take firm action against any form of non-compliance by employers to ensure the safety, health, and dignity of workers were always protected.

No injuries were reported, as the workers had not yet returned from their shifts when the incident occurred. The dormitories reportedly housed around 40 workers.

-- BERNAMA