MTUC also claimed some of these workers have yet to be given their overtime pay and other work benefits.

Its secretary-general Kamarul Baharin Mansor said this was akin to forced labour, pointing out that the new minimum wage had been implemented since May 1.

He added that if this issue persists, the matter will be raised at the upcoming International Labour Conference organised by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

“The government must take this seriously and must not take sides or be selective in taking action on employers that refuse to comply with the new minimum wage.

“The labour department should act on their own initiative to investigate without demanding that complaints must first be lodged,” he said.

Kamarul said the government and employers should show more concern for the welfare of workers at this time, with many struggling to make ends meet due to the continued rise in the cost of living.

“The government and employers surely would not want to see these workers taking to the streets to picket or hold protests to voice their dissatisfaction.”