He also said the alleged salary deductions of the bus drivers which triggered the strike were unacceptable.

“If these allegations are true, then it is tantamount to illegal deductions of their salaries,” he told reporters after launching the World Bank’s report on inclusive employment practices here.

Sim said the government had already stipulated the rate of statutory deductions, and that employers would have to consult employees if they intended to deduct more than the set rate.

About 100 cross-border bus drivers went on strike at 5am yesterday, leaving thousands of Malaysian workers stranded on the Causeway.

A driver claimed that a new salary scheme, introduced two months ago, had reduced the income of drivers to below RM2,000 a month. He also alleged that the drivers were now required to make five trips each day instead of four.

This followed a report by Harian Metro late last month, quoting some express and tour bus drivers as claiming that they received a basic salary of RM700. Others claimed they were not paid a basic salary at all.

The minimum wage in Malaysia is currently RM1,700 a month.

Sim said this was not the first time that complaints had been lodged against the bus company in question.

He said the company violated the Employment Act two weeks ago, but did not elaborate on the matter.

“I’m warning this company, do not disregard the Employment Act. We will not compromise,” he said.

32 other bus firms also under probe

In a statement later, the labour department said two investigation papers have been opened into the company involved, while 32 other firms are also being investigated.

It said this followed an operation at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar today, where checks were conducted on the companies.

The department said its probe papers have been opened under the Employment Act and the Employees’ Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations and Amenities Act 1990.

“If convicted of making illegitimate pay cuts, employers can face a fine of up to RM50,000 for each offence,” it warned.