BETONG: A joint operation carried out by the state Labour Department (JTK) via a special committee formed with the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) has succeeded in ensuring a positive rise in employers who obey rules regarding minimum wage.
JTK director Awang Raduan Awang Omar said they were very strict on rules pertaining to
minimum wage.
“However, there are still employers who refuse to obey, thought the trend is diminishing.
“This is due to the minimum wage rule adherence operations which are held every week. At the end of this year, we expect to have completed 290 series all over Sarawak,” he told reporters at a career carnival in conjunction with Program Jelajah Kerjaya Kenyalang 3.0 JTK Sarawak at Dewan Panglima Rentap, in Betong yesterday.
Raduan disclosed that Sarawak has more than 70,000 employers and usually, large companies have no problem in paying employees minimum wage.
“Only small companies and those in rural areas found it a bit challenging. Thus, we usually would advise and give an appropriate period. If it still occurs, a compound will result.
“We act firmly regardless of whether the company is small or large,” he said.
According to Raduan, the operation with EPF and Perkeso has brought about a very positive impact.
“We all have legislations of our own related to minimum wage. So, when the salaries increase, the contribution rate also increases.
“Thus through EPF and Perkeso contributions, we know which employers are obeying the minimum wage rule,” he explained.
