CYBERJAYA, The Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM) has launched an investigation into the deplorable living conditions of 30 Bangladeshi construction workers, discovered crammed into three apartment units here.

JTKSM director-general Kamal Pardi said the substandard accommodations were discovered during a pre-dawn raid today, led by JTKSM in collaboration with the Sepang Municipal Council and the police.

‘Following a tip-off, inside each unit, we found between nine to 15 workers living without the basic necessities required by law, such as proper beds, mattresses and secure storage,

‘JTKSM wants to stress that employers must provide comfortable and compliant living conditions, even in apartment settings, with proper certification from the department,’ he told newsmen after the raid here today.

He said the case is being investigated under the Employees’ Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations and Amenities Act 1990 and the Employment Act 1955.

The inspection revealed the apartments to b
e unfurnished, with workers forced to sleep on mats and cook on the floor, leading to unsanitary and poor living conditions.

Kamal said the landlords of the three units, who leased their properties to the employer, would be called in to assist with the investigation.

‘Such joint operations will continue to ensure strict enforcement of labour laws and to provide direct guidance to employers on compliance.

‘These efforts are essential in ensuring that industry players uphold the standards set by the Ministry of Human Resources,’ he added.

Source:BERNAMA News Agency