THE Human Resources Ministry would be proposing the amendment of nine Acts of Parliament to further empower the ministry to act against those who disregard the law.
The amendment would also allow the ministry to ensure basic human necessities are met.
Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran said that since he took over the ministry five months ago, he was looking into amending the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994.
“We have made a proposal to increase the maximum fine to RM500,000 and a jail term of two years for those who violates (the law) or responsible for the incident.
“Presently, those who failed to adhere to the provision of the Occupational Safety and Health Act can be fined up to RM50,000.
“We are proposing that foreign workers and domestic helpers be covered under the Social Security Organisation (Socso) and we are planning to abolish the Workmen’s Compensation.
“This is to set labour standards in this country to correspond with the conventions under the International Labour Organisation,” Kulasegaran told a press conference at the Jalan Bukit Kukus paired road project construction site today.
Also present were state executive council members Yeoh Soon Hin and Phee Boon Poh, Senator Lim Hui Ying and Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Law Suun Ting