App for workers to expose errant employers soon

The Human Resources Ministry will introduce a new application that will enable two-way communication between the government and workers.

Its minister M Saravanan said the application, expected to be launched on Jan 11, would give local and foreign workers the opportunity to inform the government about errant employers neglecting their (workers) welfare.

Workers do not have direct access to the government to complain or inform of problems they may face, he said, so this application will provide them with an avenue to do so. 

"(For example) when employers do not provide comfortable accommodation according to Act 446 (Workers' Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990) or do not follow health standard operating procedures (SOP), employees can get in touch with the government and their identities will be protected.

“We will engage directly with the workers regardless of whether they are locals or foreigners. 

"The application is a platform to lodge complaints and give information that will help the Labour Department to take action in the event of oppression,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters after presenting the Maju Institute of Educational Development 2020 education loan cheques to 301 recipients in Kuala Lumpur today.

According to the minister, the multi-lingual application aims to help local and foreign workers to channel information directly to the government.

Meanwhile, Saravanan also reiterated his previous statement that the government will not compromise with errant employers who neglect employee welfare.

“At the same time, the ministry wants to encourage employers to be more responsible for their workers' well-being. 

"This is so that Malaysia can improve its standing on the International Labour Organisation’s index on labour exploitation,” he added.

- Bernama 

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