“It involves violations under the Employment Act 1955 and the Employees’ Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations, and Amenities Act 1990 for the offences detected, such as unlawful deduction of wages and unconducive workers accommodation,” the ministry said in a statement.

However, the ministry added that the issue of recruiting fees and compensation raised and claimed by Worldways Manpower Ltd against the company was beyond the jurisdiction of the labour department.

“It should be resolved by the company and the employment agency,” it added.

The Telegraph reported that workers at Shimano’s Malaysian supplier, Kwang Li Industry, based in Pekan Nanas, had been subject to physical abuse and threats, unlawful salary deductions and recruitment fees, and unpaid suspensions.

Shimano, one of the world’s best-known brands in bicycle parts, had sold gears produced by “modern slaves”, the Telegraph reported.

In response to the earlier report, Shimano said it had launched an investigation into Kwang Li Industry and was working to remediate the workers’ situation “as soon as possible”.

The ministry said all employers must obey the law, adding that it would continue to enforce and tighten legislation.