​The decision of the Ministry of Human Resources to fully enforce the Workers' Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 beginning today could drive many employers out of business, which would then lead to increased job losses. 

MEF President Dato’ Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman J.P. said: “While MEF recognises the need to improve the accommodation standards for foreign workers, we seek the compassion of the government to take into account the current situation and to not penalise employer for failing to comply with the Act. 

“In complying with the Act, the employers are required to abide by such things as space requirement and minimum thickness of mattress. For example, 1,500 square feet of space could only accommodate a maximum of six foreign workers, and we know that many Malaysians are living in spaces much smaller than this.  

“Employers who fail to comply with the Act would be fined RM50,000 per foreign worker. At the same time, many employers are relying on the wage subsidy programme and other government support to survive the pandemic.”  

More than 30,000 businesses have shut down since the start of Covid-19 pandemic up to September this year, with a majority failing to revive operations after a gradual reopening of the economy since June. As at November 24, about 100,000 employees received retrenchment benefits under the EIS. 

“The major issue facing employers at the moment is that of survivability and we hope the government would consider MEF pleas for compassion to the employers during these extremely difficult times,” he added 

For further information, contact the MEF Secretariat at 03-7955-7778 or fax 03-7955-9008 or email mef-hq@mef.org.my.  

26 NOVEMBER 2020