Meanwhile, the health ministry fined the factory RM25,000 for failing to maintain physical distancing and provide its workers with proper living quarters.

In a statement today, the labour department said a multi-agency raid at the factory uncovered various offences relating to health, occupational safety and housing standards.

The factory employs 158 workers – 123 foreigners and 35 Malaysians.

In addition, the Selangor labour department opened four investigation papers against the company for not having certificates of accommodation for its four workers’ quarters, an offence for which the department of occupational safety and health issued two notices and a letter of instruction.

Deputy human resources minister Awang Hashim, who accompanied the enforcement officers in the raid, said 793 investigation papers were opened against employers who committed various offences under the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446) from Feb 1 to July 6.

He said 20,674 employers were fined and issued compound notices totalling over RM4.5 million following inspections on 112,840 units of workers’ accommodation nationwide by the labour department.

“From the 793 investigation papers, 125 cases were taken to the sessions court, with the prosecution of the cases resulting in fines amounting to RM431,000,” he said.