Malaysian employer caned for hiring illegal workers

The business owner faces one stroke of the cane and six months in jail for the offence

Malaysian employer caned for hiring illegal workers
An errant Malaysian employer has been sentenced to one stroke of the cane for hiring illegal workers in the state of Selangor. Although the law permits such severe penalties, the milestone decision has never been meted out in the state before, said Immigration Department of Malaysia’s director-general Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali.

In addition to the caning, the employer – a bakery owner – will serve six months in jail. He was found guilty of employing 15 illegal immigrants.

“With this first case, we hope it will serve as a deterrent to employers from hiring illegal foreign workers,” Mustafar told the Malaysian press at the opening of the state-level Immigration Day celebration.

Malaysian employers who are guilty of hiring more than five illegal immigrants at a time may face up to five years’ imprisonment, and may be sentenced a maximum of six whippings of the cane.
 
“Throughout last year, 80% of employers found hiring illegal immigrants were charged in court, and the rest are still in the process to be brought to court,” Mustafar said.

In 2017, the Immigration Department had carried out checks on a total of 188,884 employers as part of nationwide operations to curb the practice, reported New Straits Times. The operation resulted in a total of 1,257 arrests.


Related stories:
MOM takes down illegal employment syndicate
Caning ordered over illegal labour importation
 

Recent articles & video

Employer bars executive assistant's disclosure of confidential information

HK Biorhythm fined for violation of Employment Ordinance

Michelin promises living wage for workers worldwide

Employers eye overseas talent as Singapore mandates flexible work arrangements

Most Read Articles

Singapore employers mandated to consider requests for flexi-work

Singapore's workforce ready for upcoming changes from AI: survey

Employers eye overseas talent as Singapore mandates flexible work arrangements