Unpaid wages: Summons against The Vibes deferred after payment

Summons against the news portal The Vibes over unpaid wages has been deferred after a part of the payment was transferred yesterday.

The summons was originally slated to be read out at the Magistrate's Court in Kuala Lumpur this morning.

Before the summons was read out, however, the company's lawyer Danial Annamalai informed magistrate Farah Nabihah Muhammad Dan of the development and sought an adjournment of today's proceedings.

He added that the company, The Vibes Dot Com, is also in positive discussions with its affected staff - including those from its publisher Petra News Sdn Bhd.

The two companies will be submitting a letter to the Labour Department to inform them of these developments, the lawyer said.

The court fixed Dec 4 for the next mention of the case, and ordered that the company’s representatives or directors be at the proceeding.

Speaking to Malaysiakini later, Danial confirmed the summons was slated to be read out in court, however, the matter did not proceed because of the payment.

“Today was initially scheduled for the summons to be read out against the company. The summons is (allegedly) due to the company not adhering to the Labour Department order.

“But since we have paid, we have informed the court of this matter and we will send a letter to the department to inform them about this development. We will see what will transpire (in court) in December,” he said.

Nearly RM20k

The affected staff member confirmed to Malaysiakini that he had received the money yesterday.

The RM17,437.05 payment comprised salaries and allowances for June to October 2024, but not the eight percent per annum interest previously ordered, he said.

On May 6, the Labour Department ordered The Vibes to pay RM17,437.05 to the staff member within 14 days after the order was issued, as well as an eight percent interest per annum charged on all outstanding payments as a late payment penalty.

The interest is calculated from the 31st day after the date of the order issued.

In the same order sighted by Malaysiakini, the department said they will proceed with legal action under Section 69(4) of the Employment Act 1995 against The Vibes if the order is not adhered to.

Malay Mail reported on Feb 15 that there were about 15 Petra News employees demanding an immediate payment of their Employees Provident Fund, monthly tax deductions and Social Security Organisation contributions for the year 2024, following the company’s failure to remit both employee and employer contributions to the relevant authorities.

Fahmi wants Petra News to resolve statutory payments, salary arrears

Businessperson Vinod assaulted and robbed in UK

Witness: Investors sued Vinod for RM30m in 2023 after patience wore out

Fraud: Petra Group boss painted self as trusted community member - witness