Malaysian company discovered withholding employee wages since September

Employees of a construction and engineering firm in Malaysia have not received their salaries since September, prompting action from the country's government, according to reports.

Malaysia's Labour Department found that the company, based in Johor, has not paid their employees since last September, Free Malaysia Today (FMT) reported.

According to the report, only some employees received their wages for that month, which were paid in instalments. 

The company currently employs 169 workers, including 65 Malaysian employees and 104 migrant workers from Bangladesh. 

The number of employees affected by delayed salaries was not confirmed, but about 80 construction company workers reached out to the FMT to say that their salaries and overtime for six consecutive months have not been paid.

The Labour Department also conducted 16 investigations for unpaid wages, while eight investigations are ongoing.

Another 29 local workers also filed 14 labour cases involving RM263,076 in unpaid wages against the company last year, according to the FMT.

'Immediate action' ordered

Human Resources Minister R Ramanan has ordered "immediate action" to address the non-compliance at the firm.

"Protecting workers' rights is a government priority, and there will be no compromise if labour laws are violated," the ministry said.

"Consequently, the minister has directed immediate action and further investigation into this company to ensure all aspects of non-compliance are thoroughly examined, and appropriate action is taken in accordance with the law."

The company previously told FMT that the company is "cooperating fully" with authorities.

"During this period, [the company] has arranged food supplies and provided financial assistance to the workers to enable them to purchase their own meals," the company's spokesperson told the news outlet.

The spokesperson added that they have proposed a settlement framework with the Bangladesh High Commission to settle the complaints.

"[The company] remains committed to resolving this matter responsibly while ensuring the welfare of its employees," the spokesperson said.