Peninsular Malaysia Labour Dept opens 23 investigation papers on employers for minimum wage offences

MELAKA: The Peninsular Malaysia Labour Department has opened a total of 23 investigation papers over offences under the Minimum Wage Order 2022, which came into effect on May 1 last year.

Labour Department deputy director-general (Operations) Mohd Asri Abd Wahab said the offences were allegedly committed between Jan 1 and Feb 15 and the number of offenders is expected to increase in view of the ongoing two-day inspections on employers.

“Some 110 companies were inspected during the operation and checks were also conducted on security firms.

“An investigation paper will be opened if employers are found to have disobeyed the Minimum Wage Order,” he said after attending one of the operations at Ayer Keroh here on Thursday (Feb 16).

Mohd Asri said it was also discovered that there was a possibility of miscalculation on overtime payments that amounted to not complying with the order.

“From our checks, we found that some of the employers had reportedly tabulated the overtime payments not in accordance with the regulations.

“We will open investigation papers if the discrepancies surfaced in the overtime payments to ensure the rights of the employees are safeguarded,” he added.