THE Human Resources Ministry always pays close attention to reports of mistreatment of foreign workers, including employers not paying their wages, says Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar.

Sivakumar had instructed the Manpower Department (JTK) to take action against employers who mistreated their workers to ensure Malaysia was free from forced labour practices.

“It is true there are cases related to foreign workers, and action has been taken. JTK has observed and save them. Appropriate action has been taken,” he told the press at the ministry’s 2023 Deepavali celebration ceremony in Putrajaya today.

Sivakumar was asked to comment on the statement by the Indonesian Ambassador Hermono yesterday, that about 90% of the complaints showed a worrying trend, including those of not being paid wages.

“I’m not saying there are no cases, but the ministry is ready to take action against any employer who discriminate against employees, especially in terms of forced labour,” he said.

Sivakumar also asked the Indonesian Embassy to immediately lodge reports so that JTK could take appropriate action against negligent employers.

“I will not tolerate this and will make sure JTK drags them (employers) to court,” he said.

In another development, Sivakumar said the progressive wage policy would be complementary to the minimum wage policy so that workers could earn a better income compared to the current minimum wage of RM1,500.

He said although the minimum wage policy was important to ensure every worker received a minimum wage, other employee productivity-based models should also be looked into.

He said the progressive wage policy had been discussed in detail and had been approved by the National Economic Action Council.

On November 8, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said the White Paper on the proposed progressive wage policy would be tabled in Parliament on November 30. – Bernama, November 13, 2023