A worker tried to hang himself last month after claiming that a Perak plantation firm he worked for was withholding his wages.

The worker was rushed to hospital and a police report was lodged by PSM against United Plantations (UP) on Monday.

However, after a meeting with UP in Teluk Intan on Wednesday, PSM deputy chairperson M Sarasvathy said there was a "misunderstanding".

"The meeting was attended by top level management of UP who explained to us that there has been a misunderstanding, as the worker’s wages were fully paid up.

"However, the management agreed to resolve the complaints and claims raised on behalf of the worker in relation to his employment under a contractor," she told Malaysiakini.

The worker, B Kannan, an Indian national, is also "overjoyed" with the outcome, she said.

UP head manager C Mathew said while the suicide attempt was "unfortunate", Kanna had problems with absenteeism.

This meant he did not qualify for gratuitous payment.

"UP is known to respect and take care of its workers which it will continue to do as it has done in the past.

"However, we can’t reward and pay workers who are absent and unproductive... that would be unfair to the many hardworking and productive workers in our company," he said.

He added that UP is thankful Kanna survived the suicide attempt and will ensure his safe return to India along with ex-gratia payment for his emotional distress.

Editor's note: The article has been updated with clarifications from PSM and United Plantations.