Gov't tables amendment bill to ensure proper accommodation for workers
PARLIAMENT | The government is seeking to expand the regulation on centralised accommodation to all sectors and compel them to provide decent housing for their employees.
Any employer found providing accommodation "unfit for human habitation" under the Workers' Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities (Amendment) Act 2019 will be fine up to RM50,000...
PARLIAMENT | The government is seeking to expand the regulation on centralised accommodation to all sectors and compel them to provide decent housing for their employees.
Any employer found providing accommodation "unfit for human habitation" under the Workers' Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities (Amendment) Act 2019 will be fined up to RM50,000.
The bill was tabled by Human Resources Minister M Kulasegaran (photo, above) for the first reading in Dewan Rakyat today, and scheduled for debate in the second reading in the current sitting.
Currently, the bill only applies to centralised accommodation at estates.
This move is part of Putrajaya's effort to be in line with the evolution of international labour standards.
The bill compels employers to obtain a 'Certificate for Accommodation' from the ministry's director-general for the accommodation. Employers who fail to do so will face up to a maximum of one year's jail sentence and a fine of up to RM50,000.
The employers may collect rental from the employees via wage deduction.
The bill also required employers to provide separate accommodation for both genders.
Furthermore, employers must take necessary preventive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the employees and the accommodation must be equipped with adequate amenities.
Besides that, employers need to ensure their workers receive needed medical attention and take preventive measures to contain the spread of infectious diseases.
The amended bill no longer applies in Sabah and Sarawak after consultation with both state governments.
"In this regards, the Sabah and Sarawak governments have agreed that corresponding laws will be provided in their Labour Ordinance," states the bill.
The bill compels employers to provide a nursery if the accommodation has at least five children.
Employers who fail to provide community hall and sports facilities at an accommodation of at least 100 employees, will now be fined RM50,000, which is 50 times more severe than the existing RM1,000 fine.
Those who fail to ensure the adequate amenities at the living place will be fined RM50,000 compared to the existing RM2,000 fine.
