A factory in Skudai, Malaysia, is under scrutiny after it was discovered that they had designated 5 measly rooms as employee dormitories, a clear violation of occupancy regulations. These rooms, originally intended for a maximum of 6 occupants, were found to be housing a shocking total of 65 foreign workers.

Reports indicate that the living conditions within these employee dormitories were deplorable, with a severe lack of basic amenities. Some of these dormitories were even observed to have merged living and kitchen areas, while others had bathrooms without walls.

Following a complaint, an inspection of these substandard employee dormitories was carried out by Mohamad Asri, Deputy Director-General of the Peninsular Malaysia Manpower Department, and Zhang Chengquan, Director of the Social Security Organization in Johor.

Mohamad Asri highlighted that the employer had not provided lockers for employees to store personal belongings, including important documents like passports. Furthermore, he noted that one dormitory had a bathroom without walls situated directly adjacent to the kitchen.

During a media interview after the inspection, Mohamad Asri revealed, "Based on our observations, we even found a dormitory where mattresses were not provided. Some sleeping areas and kitchens shared the same space, with onions, and chili peppers stored within the sleeping quarters."

He emphasized that each employee dormitory should strictly accommodate no more than 6 individuals and must have at least one toilet. The factory's employer, in operation since 2021, was found to be in violation of multiple regulations concerning the fundamental housing rights of employees.

"The authorities will launch an investigation to identify the specific regulations breached by the employer. Each employee dormitory could face fines of up to RM50,000," stated Mohamad Asri.

Additionally, he pointed out that the factory's employer had contravened the Employee Dormitories and Facilities Minimum Standards Act 1990 (Act 446), which has been in effect since September 2020.

"It's been three years since the enactment of this law, so the employer should be well aware of its obligations and responsibilities. However, what we witnessed today goes far beyond mere legal violations."

Source: China Press | Bernama