GEORGE TOWN, Oct 28 — Malaysia is committed to ensuring that accommodation provided to workers meets international standards.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said the government is taking a firm stand to regulate and enforce the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations and Amenities Act 1990.
He said compliance with ESG requirements is an important factor in labour conditions, including workers’ accommodation, to attract multinational companies to invest in Malaysia.
“I’m reminded of an example just a few years ago where a Malaysian company lost a very, very big contract with a very well-known multinational company due to failure to meet its ESG requirements vis-à-vis labour conditions,” he said in a speech read out by state executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari at the 14th Asean Labour Inspection Conference here today.
He said it was an important lesson for everyone in the country and the region to ensure that living standards for workers are upheld.
“In this 21st century where ESG and, of course, human rights are extremely important, we have to ensure our businesses are sustainable, that we adhere to these basic requirements,” he said.
He said the Malaysian government took a bold step to strengthen the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations and Amenities Act 1990 five years ago.
“Before this, the law only applied to the plantation and mining sectors, so of course, after the amendment, the coverage of this law is now expanded to all sectors and employers who provide accommodation,” he said.
He said the ministry will continue to improve the Act to ensure that workers’ accommodation is dignified.
He added that workers’ accommodation is not a luxury or a privilege but a fundamental human right and basic need, so decent living conditions are essential to workers’ health, safety and productivity.
“The Asean region is home to remarkable diversity, as we all know. But at the same time, we are united by a shared commitment to decent work and social justice,” he said.
“Let us ensure that our labour laws and inspection systems reflect not just minimum standards but meaningful progress,” he said.
He said there are three ways to elevate regional cooperation.
“Firstly, to promote regional guidelines on sustainable employee housing that go beyond health and safety and incorporate quality of life, mental health, as well as social inclusion,” he said.
Secondly, he said employers should be engaged as partners, not adversaries, in building a culture where investment in housing and amenities is seen as a long-term gain and not just a short-term burden.
“And thirdly, champion transparency and accountability, especially for vulnerable workers, including women and migrants,” he said.
He stressed that every dignified dormitory, every safe and clean facility, and every effort to improve a worker’s living conditions is a tribute not only to that individual but also a reflection of the kind of society the country strives to build.
“I believe that the role of labour inspectorates should constantly be strengthened and fully equipped with efficient standard operating procedures and mechanisms,” he said.
He expressed hope that the conference would provide an opportunity for attendees to deliberate and find the best solutions to critical issues in meeting the challenges of employee accommodation and amenities.
