Over 100 locals who lost jobs to foreigners to be reinstated, says Sivakumar

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 102 local workers whose services were terminated and replaced by foreigners in Penang will be given back their jobs at their previous company, says Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar (pic).

He said he was informed of the matter on Friday (March 3).

"It is true that the Manpower Department took action and according to the report that I received just now, the company involved will reinstate the workers who were dismissed," he said after officiating at the centralised labour quarters (CLQ) at the Malay Officers Cooperative Credit And Investment Society (Moccis) building here on Friday.

He had earlier issued a stern warning to employers not to abuse the Foreign Worker Employment Relaxation Plan which was launched last Jan 17 to replace local workers.

Sivakumar also said employers who were found to have acted such, have violated Section 60M of the Employment Act 1955 and can be fined up to RM50,000 if convicted and the quota for hiring foreign workers will also be revoked.

Meanwhile, on Friday's event, Sivakumar said the CLQ would be able to ensure the welfare of the country's labour force as well as empower the sector.

He added that the building of CLQs was not solely to make profit but to help employers provide proper accommodation for their workers and ensure their well-being. – Bernama