MALAYSIA COMMITED TO ENSURING ACCOMMODATION PROVIDED TO WORKERS - SIM

GEORGE TOWN, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is committed to ensuring accommodation provided to workers is in line with international standards, said Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.

He said the government is taking a firm stand to regulate and enforce the Workers' Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations and Amenities Act 1990.

He said the amendment of Act 446 in 2020 was a bold step by Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) to strengthen the act by expanding the coverage from only the plantation and mining sectors to all sectors and employers who provide accommodation.

"Workers' accommodation is a key matter in ensuring fundamental human rights and basic needs; it is not a luxury or a privilege. Decent living conditions are essential to worker's health, safety and productivity.

"In this regard, KESUMA continues to improve the act to ensure that the workers' accommodation provided is dignified," he said in his speech read out by Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari at the 14th ASEAN Labour Inspection Conference (14th ALIC) here today.

KESUMA through the Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM), organised the 14th ALIC  themed "The Sustainability of Employees' Accommodation and Amenities Is A Tribute to Human Dignity and Equality”.

The conference was attended by ASEAN Labour Inspection Focal Points, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN Confederation of Employers (ACE), ASEAN Trade Union Council (ATUC), ASEAN Services Employees Trade Union Council (ASETUC), International Association of Labour Inspection (IALI), International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and UN Women.

Sim said the conference reflects Malaysia’s continued commitment to enhancing the labour inspection system within the region.

He said Malaysia hopes that regional cooperation will continue to be strengthened through encouraging the setting up of the guidelines on sustainable employee housing that encompass quality of life, mental health and safety.

"Work collaboratively with employers to encourage compliance with established standards and ALIC as a platform for exchanging views and sharing best practices among member states," he also said.

Sim added that the role of labour inspectors must be constantly strengthened and be equipped with extensive knowledge and this conference reaffirmed the collective commitment of ASEAN member states to uphold social justice for workers.

At the same time, the minister also welcomed the participation of the Timor-Leste as the newest member of ASEAN, describing it as a reflection of the bloc’s inclusive and progressive vision in advancing the regional labour agenda.

Meanwhile, KESUMA in statement said the objective of the conference is to strengthen policies, standards and enforcement related to labour accommodation to safeguard workers' rights across the ASEAN region.

It said the conference also serves as a platform to address issues, challenges, and share best practices among ASEAN member states to ensure the welfare, dignity and safety of workers remain protected.

This conference demonstrates ASEAN's collective commitment in advancing social justice for workers and ALIC will continue to serve as a key platform for knowledge exchange and sharing of best practices among ASEAN member states, further strengthening the role and capacity of labour inspectors in the region.

-- BERNAMA