ISP Group sets new benchmark in worker living

KUALA LUMPUR: ISP Group has opened a facility in Johor to help address long-standing concerns over worker welfare and public health that were exposed during Covid-19 pandemic.

The compay said ISP Home DC purpose built workers’ accommodation at Taman Perindustrian Desa Cemerlang in Johor Bahru sets a new benchmark for worker housing in Malaysia’s industrial sector.

ISP founder and group chief executive officer Eric Ng said investing in the well-being of workers is not only the right thing to do, but also a strategic move to build a stronger and more sustainable workforce.

“These men and women form the backbone of our industries. They work long hours in demanding conditions, often far from their families.

“The least we can do is ensure they return to a place that is safe, clean and dignified, somewhere that makes them feel human, not just another cog in the machine,” he said.

Designed to prioritise safety, hygiene and dignity, the five-storey development spans around 0.74 hectares and can accommodate up to 2,196 workers across 122 well-planned units.

Each unit in ISP HOME DC is equipped with 18 well-ventilated beds, personal lockers and a shared bathroom with a 1:6 toilet ratio, comfortably exceeding national requirements under the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 2019.

The facility includes communal kitchens, dining areas, and multiple amenities such as a minimart, gym, barber shop, clinic, games room and outdoor courts.

Security features include 24-hour CCTV monitoring, facial recognition entry, and turnstile-controlled access, with additional safeguards in place for female residents.

ISP Home DC has also secured a provisional GreenRE Silver certification with the facility’s sustainable design incorporates solar energy, rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient lighting and low-volatile organic compound paints.

Daily operations prioritise hygiene and safety with routine disinfection, pest control, fire drills and first aid preparedness.

The facility also places strong emphasis on community and worker well-being with monthly cultural events and sports tournaments

New arrivals undergo orientation briefings and benefit from multilingual communication channels, as well as access to physical and mental healthcare.

“Early indicators suggest that employers housing their workers at ISP Home DC experience lower turnover and absenteeism, underscoring how better living conditions can lead to measurable operational benefits.

“With additional PBWA projects in the pipeline, ISP is helping set a new national standard – one where ESG, worker welfare and industrial performance are no longer competing priorities, but mutually reinforcing pillars,” the company said.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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