Only 50% Of Employers Complied With Workers’ Housing Act

Deputy Minister of Human Resources Datuk Awang Hashim said that only 50% of the 34,248 employers probed since February until today complied with the Workers' Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446).

He said that out of 1,169 investigation papers opened, the authorities issued compound offers in 796 cases totalling RM9.149 million. As of now, employers have paid a total compound of RM2,461,300. In addition, 134 investigation papers were still under investigation, which involved compounds amounting to RM841,000.

Most companies that did not comply were from the manufacturing sector

According to Awang, most of the employers that did not comply with Act 446 were from the manufacturing sector.

The deputy minister today launched four publications from the Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM). These publications are a part of the efforts to disseminate information about labour education to employers and workers.

He said that the workers' amenities handbook, named "Panduan Penginapan Pekerja Akta 446", would allow industry players, including employers and centralised labour quarters (CLQs), to learn more about the standards for setting safe, conducive and comfortable worker accommodation.

Awang hopes that the handbook's publication would encourage employers to apply for an employee's accommodation certificate.

More handbooks published by JTKSM

JTKSM also launched the JTKSM Strategic Plan 2021-2025. The publication is JTKSM's manifesto to improve the ability to manage Malaysia's labour governance and strengthen service delivery to all stakeholders diversely and dynamically.

The department also launched the Handbook on Private Employment Agencies Act (APS) 1981 (Act 246) and the Handbook on Employment Act 1955 (Act 265) for the internal use of its officers, relating to the primary laws enforced by JTKSM.

On complaints via the working for workers (WFW) app, released on May 3, the deputy minister said that the ministry had received 11,435 complaints so far. Most of the complaints were about employers failing to pay salaries to their workers.

Awang advised employees to submit complaints via the app if there was unfairness or employers took advantage of the pandemic.

Workers' Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446)

Under act 446, the SOPs include:

Providing facilities for washing and sanitising hands
Conducting cleanliness and disinfection practices in common areas.
Avoiding group activities
Ensuring social distancing of at least 1 metre between workers

Companies that do not comply with the Workers' Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990's recent amendments (Act 446) could face a maximum fine of RM50,000.

According to the Human Resources Ministry, worker housing placed either within or outside of construction sites must fulfil three primary aspects:

Safety
Cleanliness
Comfort

The employer must also provide enough space for the residents and comply with rules and regulations. If they do not comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) under Act 446, they could be fined up to RM50,000.

Source: Malay Mail/BERNAMA

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