CYBERJAYA: An investigation has been launched to look into the deplorable living conditions of 30 Bangladeshi construction workers who have been crammed into three apartment units here, says the Labour Department.
Its director-general Kamal Pardi said the sub-standard accommodations were discovered during a pre-dawn raid yesterday, led by the department in collaboration with the Sepang Municipal Council and the police.“Following a tip-off, we found between nine and 15 workers living in each unit without the basic necessities stipulated by law, such as proper beds, mattresses and secured storage.
“Employers must provide comfortable living conditions, even in apartment settings, with proper certification from the department,” he told newsmen after the raid, Bernama reported.
Kamal said the case is being investigated under the Employees’ Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations and Amenities Act 1990 and the Employment Act 1955.
The inspection revealed the apartments to be unfurnished, with workers forced to sleep on mats and cook on the floor, leading to unsanitary and poor living conditions.
Kamal said landlords of the three units, who leased their properties to the employer, will be called in to assist with the probe.“Such joint operations will continue to ensure strict enforcement of labour laws and to provide direct guidance to employers on compliance.
“These efforts are essential in ensuring that industry players uphold the standards set by the Human Resources Ministry.”
