Malaysia employers to provide accommodation for foreign workers

Employers in Malaysia across all sectors will be required to provide accommodation for their foreign workers to help curb the COVID-19 outbreak in the country.

This is in accordance with the Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities (Amendment) Act will come into force on June 1 in Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan

The Act, which previously covered accommodation and housing for workers in the plantation more than 20 acres and mining sector, has been extended to all sectors that provide accommodation and housing to workers.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan said in a statement on May 27, “Foreign workers are a risk group for Covid-19 infection. This is because they live in crowded and cramped spaces in one housing unit, as well as dirty premises.

“The Ministry also agrees with the views from the Malaysia Medical Association on the need to prepare standard operating procedure (SOP) to enable the implementation of the minimum housing and amenities standards for workers in all sectors in the country,” he added.

Saravanan also added that the government will be giving a three-month grace period for employers to make arrangements.

“The government will give three months grace period until Aug 31 to give room for employers to make the necessary arrangements. The enforcement under the Act will begin on Sept 1,” he said.