KUALA LUMPUR – Inspections and investigations into PAS-owned kindergartens are not a form of selective prosecution, but are based on existing employment laws, said Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.
Sim (Bukit Mertajam-PH) told PAS lawmakers that the Labour Department has to look into complaints on allegations of employers violating the law, without fear or favour.
“If you did not break the law, don’t worry.
“Our country has laws and they apply to all… does not matter if it is a private company, government agencies, or political parties…
“Our stance is clear. Workers deserve to get their salaries. There is no compromise,” he said during the minister’s question time in the Dewan Rakyat today.
However, PAS’ Afnan Hamimi Taib (Alor Setar-PN) questioned the ministry’s intentions on investigating Pasti premises as they are activity centres run by volunteers.
“The teachers are volunteers so it doesn’t involve the employee-employer relationship.”
Earlier, Aminolhuda Hassan (Sri Gading-PH) asked Sim to explain a viral memo by the Labour Department on the probe into Pasti, saying it was to avoid speculation on whether it was linked to Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions and owed salaries.
He was also asked about similar allegations on state-owned Kedah Agro Holding Bhd (KAHB), which involved 24 workers on unpaid salaries.
In his reply, Sim said KAHB’s board of directors in March 17 decided to close operations by month’s end and current and owed salaries will be paid before Aidilftri.
He added that the board also decided to pay compensation within three months starting March.
On January 9, the Labour Department found that complaints KAHB were legitimate and issued a compliance notice by January 15. – March 19, 2024