The alleged offences include unsuitable living conditions, failure to provide separate units for women, failure to provide basic amenities like beds and mattresses as well as not providing sufficient bathrooms.

M Saravanan said most of the offenders were from factories making rubber gloves and furniture as well as factories in the manufacturing industry.

The ministry had inspected 3,452 companies employing a total of 101,726 staff between Sept 1, 2020 and Jan 31 this year.

About 124 investigation papers had been opened, he said.

Of the number, 115 had been referred to the deputy public prosecutor, with 70 to be brought to court soon.

“If convicted, these employers can be fined up to RM50,000 for each offence,” Saravanan said at a press conference.

Saravanan went on to say that under the Emergency Ordinance, his ministry was empowered to instruct employers and those who provided lodging to replace and repair amenities that did not adhere to Act 446.

Failure to do so could see them slapped with a RM200,000 fine or a maximum jail term of three years or both.

Saravanan also said 3,256 companies were inspected throughout the enforcement of Act 446 under the Emergency Ordinance.

“Eight investigation papers were opened and (these employers are) to be issued compounds.”