(From left) Eng Meng, Tifla, Godwin, Lee, Edwin, Ng and Kamalludin at the opening of PGB Hostel in Pekan Nanas, Pontian. — THOMAS YONG/ The Star
Johor government will carry out periodic enforcement to ensure employers provide decent, safe and clean housing for their foreign workers.
State investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources committee chairman Lee Ting Han said workers deserved liveable accommodation without overcrowding.
He said to-date, enforcement had been carried out in industrial areas within Johor Baru, Kempas, Pasir Gudang and Kulai.
“We want to ensure employers comply with laws, regulations or requirements imposed by the government,” Lee told the media at the launch of Phase 1 of PGB Hostel at Pekan Nanas industrial park in Pontian, Johor.
Also present were Singapore consul-general in Johor Baru Ng Kuan Khai, Pekan Nanas assemblyman Tan Eng Meng, Pontian district officer Kamalludin Jamal, Pontian Municipal Council secretary Tifla Mohd Addi, Paragon Globe Bhd executive chairman Datuk Seri Edwin Tan Pei Seng and group executive director Datuk Seri Godwin Tan Pei Poh.
Lee said a fire broke out in a Pontian house on Aug 27 killing two Thai nationals, who worked as cooks, and left four others injured.
He said the fire could have been avoided if the employer had provided suitable accommodation for the workers.
“This kind of incident should not have happened if their accommodation was conducive,” Lee noted.
He said employers must ensure safe and clean housing equipped with essential facilities such as toilets, kitchens and beds for their employees.
“The enforcement is carried out under the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 466),” said Lee.
He warned that employers who failed to meet these standards would face potential penalties, including fines of up to RM50,000 per offence.
Lee said dedicated housing could prevent foreign workers from renting houses and as such reduce safety and social issues.
He said with the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) already in place, demand for such accommodation was expected to be good.
“The state government together with the local authorities will fully cooperate with any companies or parties wanting to develop hostels for foreign workers.”
