LABUAN, June 24 (Bernama) -- A total of 52 workers, comprising 51 locals and one foreign national, were screened during a joint labour enforcement operation carried out at several service and cleaning company premises here today.
The operation, led by the Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM), is part of its continued commitment to ensuring full compliance with national labour laws and to counter international allegations of forced labour practices in the country.
JTKSM director-general Kamal Pardi said the operation involved a task force of 40 enforcement officers from various enforcement agencies.
“The operation reflected strong cooperation between JTKSM and several other agencies, including the Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM), Employees Provident Fund (EPF), Social Security Organisation (Perkeso), police, Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) and the Industrial Training Institute (ILP).
“The sole foreign worker inspected was identified as an Indonesian national,” he said to Bernama after the operation at the Labuan Airport today.
Among the violations identified were employers failing to comply with the Minimum Wages Order and the Employment Act 1955, including paying wages below the minimum rate as stipulated under Section 43 of the Minimum Wages (Amendment) Order 2024.
He said these offences are now under investigation, with the possibility of compounds and prosecution according to the relevant laws.
Kamal said additional offences were detected by other participating agencies, and these include failure to contribute to Perkeso under Regulation 10(3) and Section 14(1) of the Employment Insurance System Act 2017 (Act 800), non-compliance with EPF contribution requirements under the EPF Act 1991, and immigration violations under Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963 involving the misuse of the Temporary Work Visit Pass.
“JTKSM reiterated that it will continue to step up enforcement operations in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure legal compliance and protect the welfare of workers.
“Such consistent enforcement is a key proactive measure by the Human Resources Ministry to eliminate labour law violations and reinforce labour harmony while combating forced labour practices by 2030,” he also said.
--BERNAMA
