Amend laws before foreign workers’ wages can be deducted, says Socso

Amend laws before foreign workers’ wages can be deducted, says Socso

Its deputy chief executive (corporate) Azlaily Abdul Rahman says the country must also sign an MoU with the source country.

It has been proposed that 20% of foreign workers’ salaries be deducted to prevent them from fleeing. (Bernama pic)
KUALA LUMPUR:
The Social Security Organisation Malaysia (Socso) said the laws will have to be amended first before employers are allowed to deduct 20% of their foreign workers’ basic salaries.

These are the Employment Act 1955 (Act 265) and Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4).

However, its deputy chief executive (corporate) Azlaily Abdul Rahman said that the 20% cut was merely a suggestion.

“Implementing it will require the go-ahead from Parliament as Socso doesn’t have the right to withhold a person’s pay.

“There is also a need for discussions and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the source country,” she said.

Yesterday, Human Resources Minister M Kulasegaran was reported as saying that a technical committee would analyse the proposal aimed at preventing foreign workers from fleeing and employers from suffering losses.

He added that foreign workers would get their money back when their work permit expires.

“The technical committee (which I am part of, too) will meet soon,” Azlaily said after the launch of Socso’s 13-episode Bangkit#PERKESOPrihatin TV show.

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