KOTA KINABALU: Human Resources Minister Steven Sim has announced significant steps to improve the handling of migrant workers' complaints.
He said his ministry, as well as the Sabah Labour Department, was working to enhance the process of receiving and managing complaints by developing specific procedures tailored for migrant workers.
Sim said migrant workers faced unique challenges compared with local employees.
"The situation for migrant workers is different from that of local workers.
"While local workers can return home after filing complaints, migrant workers residing in dormitories may face complications if their complaints are exposed," he said after the launch of the 2024 Convention on Combating Human Trafficking and Forced Labour Crimes at the Sabah International Convention Centre here.
Sim added that the department had established principles that aligned with the Employment Act and the Sabah Labour Ordinance, ensuring workers were entitled to their wages.
"The principle is clear. Once migrant workers enter Malaysia, they are entitled to their salaries and wages. There will be no more excuses for employers to withhold payment."
Sim also expressed gratitude to the chief minister, the state government and partners from the Home Ministry for their efforts in organising a convention aimed at raising awareness and providing fundamental education on human trafficking and forced labour.
The convention showcased 11 indicators of forced labour and introduced a guidebook distributed to more than a thousand employers at the event.