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LETTER | Must ministry educate employers on worker housing standards?
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LETTER | The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) Penang division is baffed that Top Glove's management thought they would be "educated" by the Human Resources Ministry before the Workers' Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 would be enforced.

They cited media, attributed to Human Resources Minister M Saravanan, in support of their position, including reports by Bernama and The Sun.

MTUC Penang wishes to categorically state that our views are not confined to the challenges mounted by Top Glove on the matter. On the contrary, it is our argument that all acts of Parliament are self-regulatory in nature and we should educate ourselves on our moral obligations in obeying the laws of the country. Thus, for employers to plead they "thought" they would be "educated" on the basic requirements of the law is nonsensical!

In any case, the dictum that ignorance of the law is not an excuse (Ignorantia juris non excusat) must prevail regardless of what the minister may have said for reasons best known to him.

Going by Top Glove's statement, the minister's views were made in September 2020. That was before the Teratai Covid-19 cluster was identified in November 2020. It is obvious that the circumstances have shifted since September.

Given the fact that there is an urgent need to address the alarming Covid-19 infections, we believe the appropriate approach is not to play on the sentiments of the minister's past views but to take proactive remedial actions. On this score, we take cognisance of the efforts by employers, including Top Glove, in addressing their shortcomings.

It is, therefore, our considered opinion that there is no rhyme or reason for employers to seek refuge in the minister's statement. As they say, the gauntlet has been thrown. It is for the employers to step up to the challenge to ensure that they meet their legal obligations in the matter.


K VEERIAH is secretary for the Malaysian Trades Union Congress' Penang division.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.

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