With the opening of the border for foreign workers to enter Malaysia, there has been trepidation among business owners who employ them. This is mainly because with the amendment made to Act 446 of the Workers Minimum Standard if Housing and Amenities 1990, where violation can lead to RM200,000 fined or jailed up to three years or both.
One of the largest sectors that employ foreign labour is the plantation sector, in order to get these owners up to speed on the latest revision, the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities embarked on the Agrikomoditi Tour in efforts to bring awareness to Act 446.
Focusing on the timber sector, the ministry, through a series of tours that began last year, was aware of the contribution made by the sector as the third major contributor to the agriculture sector, while the furniture industry is the main contributor to the country’s exports for the sector. So it was imperative that the industry continues to progress and grow positively with all the right systems put in place including on the welfare of workers.
Among the educational briefing carried out during the road tour was the clarification of Act 446, which has been fine-tuned, as well as shedding light on the use of an online Temporary Employment Visit Pass(for foreign workers) that has been refined for employers to register and monitor their workers.
Malaysia is a big brand at the global level, the country’s furniture exports are the 12th largest and the furniture players are recognised as producers of high-quality wooden furniture. Hence the need to elevate the industry and be conscious in its social responsibilities.
