By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 29: A total of 31 employers were issued notifications for labour law violations following a wage enforcement operation conducted by the Sarawak Labour Department (JTK Sarawak) around Bintulu on Jan 27.
In a media statement, JTK Sarawak said the operation, known as Operasi Gaji, involved 67 labour inspectors from across Sarawak and focused on eateries and restaurant businesses in the town.
As a result of the inspections, four investigation papers were opened involving offences under the Minimum Wages Order 2024 and unlawful wage deductions. In total, 133 violations were recorded against the employers involved.
JTK Sarawak explained that the operation was conducted in line with the department’s mandate to carry out statutory inspections at any workplace at any time, including premises employing night-shift workers, if there is suspicion of labour law violations. The move aims to ensure comprehensive enforcement across all sectors and to serve as an early preventive measure against labour law breaches.
The department said similar operations will continue in the future, involving other sectors that have yet to be inspected, as part of ongoing efforts to ensure employer compliance with labour laws throughout Sarawak.
JTK Sarawak also issued a stern warning to employers that failure to comply with labour laws may result in court action and penalties. Under the National Wages Consultative Council Act, employers found guilty may be fined up to RM10,000 for each employee. The court may also order employers to pay the wage difference between the minimum wage rate and the basic salary paid, along with any accrued payments calculated based on the minimum wage rate.
For continuing offences, employers may face a daily fine of up to RM1,000 for each day the offence continues after conviction, while repeat offences may result in fines of up to RM20,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
In addition, violations of other provisions under the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Chapter 76) may carry fines of up to RM50,000, reflecting the government’s firm stance in safeguarding workers’ rights and welfare in the state. — DayakDaily
