Industry associations urged to ensure companies safeguard workers' welfare

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities (MPIC) is urging industry associations to ensure that commodity and plantation-related companies always look after the welfare of their workers.

In a statement yesterday, its Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali said the ministry was very serious about the incident that happened to the welfare of foreign workers at a rubber glove factory as reported on Monday.

The ministry strongly condemned the actions of a handful of companies that deliberately or unwilling to comply with the laws and regulations, he said.

He said the company is only concerned about profit without taking into account the comfort and safety factors of employees who are the main contributors to the company's profits.

“This is because without the employees, companies and industries are unlikely to earn huge profits, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

Mohd Khairuddin said as a responsible employer, it is the company's duty to take care of the employees’ welfare as best as possible regardless of whether they are local or foreign.

He also urged the industry in all sectors including commodities and plantation to always abide by the labour laws and regulations set by the government.

“The ministry also hopes that industry associations take the responsibility to remind all members under their respective association to always abide by the provisions of laws and regulations and work with the government to address this issue from continuing in the future,” he added.

-- BERNAMA