THE Human Resources Ministry will take action against Top Glove Corp Bhd for failing to comply with the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446).

Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia director-general Asri Rahman said 21 investigations papers have been opened on six Top Glove companies in five states. 

“The Labour Department will refer the investigations papers to the deputy public prosecutor for all the offences under Act 446,” he said at a press conference in Putrajaya today.

A probe was launched into the company for compliance with health SOPs after its factory in Klang was identified as a source of a massive cluster on November 7.

The company said it will fully cooperate with the authorities with regard to the extension of the enhanced movement control order (EMCO) for its hostels in Klang.

The order was to have expired yesterday but has been extended until December 14.

Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob 5,805 people in the hostels were screened and 3,406 tested positive.

“The numbers are still high and there are new cases from the second screening. Therefore, we agreed to extend the EMCO until December 14,” Ismail had said.

Asri said inspections were carried out at Top Glove factories in Kedah, Kelantan, Perak, Negri Sembilan and Johor.  

“Their main offence is failing to apply for an accommodation certificate from the Labour Department under Section 24D of Act 446.

“The offences include dense quarters and poor ventilation.”

Asri said even the building housing the workers was not compliant with local government laws.

Top Glove could be fined up to RM50,000 for each offence.  

Act 446 enforced on September 1 requires employers to provide suitable living and other facilities for their workers.

The Act was amended in June to mandate requirements for space, facilities, safety, and hygiene in workers’ quarters.

THe Human Resources Ministry had given employers a grace period until August 31 to comply with the law. – December 1, 2020.