KUCHING, Sept 22: Members of the public are advised never to allow employers to withhold or retain their identity cards.
Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Public Complaints Bureau (SPCB) chief Wilfred Yap cautioned that there is no law nor authority for employers to withhold or detain their employee’s identity card.
“SPCS was recently approached by an individual whose 16-year-old daughter’s identity card was detained (sic) by her employer. It was understood that the school leaver was offered a job as a waitress at a coffee shop in Serian. However instead of working as a waitress, the employer allegedly made her work in a pub instead.
“The girl refused as she felt cheated and ran away from her employer. She also requested for the return of her identity card from the employer but received threats and was asked to pay a certain sum of money,” Yap disclosed in a statement today.
He added that the victim then informed her father of the incident and she was scared over the incident.
“The victim has lodged a police report. SPCB has written to the officer-in-charge of Serian Police Station and the Sarawak Police Commissioner to request for the police to conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation on the matter based on the police report lodged,” Yap revealed, adding that they will continue to follow up on and monitor the situation closely until the investigation is completed.
He stressed that it is against the law to retain another person’s identity card and anyone found guilty of committing such an offence can face imprisonment and/or a hefty fine.
Meanwhile, members of the pubic may contact SPCB at 016-7797688 or 082-246999 or directly visit the SUPP head office for any assistance or advice. — DayakDaily
