The workers’ quarters at the illegal settlement in Cyberjaya was described as “very dirty” and “extremely unsuitable” by immigration director-general Khairul Dzaimee Daud after the multi-agency raid, adding that such conditions made the spread of Covid-19 easier.

Pointing out the lack of proper drainage and sewage systems, Khairul also noted that there was water flowing out of the workers’ toilets into their living quarters.

“We will take action in line with Act 446 (Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act),” a labour department spokesperson told FMT.

“We are still waiting for the investigation papers from the immigration department as they led the operation.”

The spokesperson said the employers could either be fined RM50,000 for each offence under Act 446 or face stiffer penalties under the Emergency Ordinance (Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act).

Gazetted on Feb 17, the ordinance allows the human resources ministry to impose fines of up to RM200,000, a jail term of up to three years, or both, against employers or accommodation owners for failing to provide workers with proper housing.

In a statement last month, the ministry said 45 employers have been prosecuted in court and fined RM332,000 for violating Act 466 since it was amended last year. In addition, RM1,806,500 has been meted out in compounds to 244 employers.

Of the 18,749 employers and 105,951 employee accommodations JTKSM inspected from Feb 1 to May 27, only 34% were found to be in compliance with Act 446 – which mandates minimum space requirements for workers’ accommodation, provision of basic facilities, as well as safety and hygiene standards.