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.
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.
SPONSORED CONTENT Electrifying windows of opportunity in Sabah - The right policies, collaborations, and strategies can turn emerging opportunities into victories for all parties in Sabah. CHIEF Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor’s 2021 Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya Plan and the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA) have laid out a road map to an exciting future for all Sabahans, with a target of increasing Sabah’s income levels and GDP per capita from about RM 23,000 to about RM 40,000 by 2030. Read more “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.
“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.
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.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.