33pc of Sabah employers commit offences: Sabah Labour Department
Published on: Wednesday, June 05, 2024
By: Crystal E Hermenegildus
Wan (centre, standing) during the operation in a restaurant.
Kota Kinabalu: Some 33 per cent of employers in Sabah committed offences under the Sabah Labour Ordinance in 2023, according to Sabah Labour Department (JTK) Director Wan Zulkfli Wan Setapa.
He said based on the department's data as of Dec 31, 2023, a total of 2,734 employers committed non-monetary offences, while 602 employers committed monetary offences.
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Non-monetary offences include those related to service contracts, issuing salary statements and general holidays.
Monetary offences involve not paying minimum wages or having up to three months of unpaid wages.
“Arrears amounting to RM38 million were collected by the department and paid back to 10,586 employees,” said Wan Zulkifli during an integrated operation at Taipan, Inanam, Tuesday.
He added that the activities carried out by the department benefited more than 135,000 employees throughout the State.
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“This matter is very serious. If found guilty, the employers can be punished with up to RM10,000 fine for each offence.
“All the activities have become one of the main agendas for JTK to ensure the main rights of Sabahans are guaranteed,” he said.
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A total of 10 enforcement groups were formed to inspect business premises during the operation.
“Based on the investigation we conducted today, we found the employers committing offences involving wages.
“Some employers do not pay the minimum wage to employees, while others do not provide service contracts or annual leave to employees,” he said.
Wan Zulkifli urged all employers in the State to contact JTK if they are unsure about the law.
“This is important to avoid violations that could lead to enforcement actions such as prosecution and fines,” he said.
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