Police Raid Klang Eatery For Paying Workers RM10 A Day And Trapping Them After Hours
The workers, who were initially promised a salary of RM1,500 would also be punished with pay cuts if they were found eating food with side dishes at work.
By Arisha Rozaidee — 30 Apr 2021, 01:44 PM
Authorities recently raided a restaurant in Klang for mistreatment of its workers
Harian Metro reported that on 29 April, police officials from Bukit Aman Crime Investigation Department (CID)'s Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Division (D3), along with those from the Council for Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (MAPO), rescued 22 migrant workers from an eatery at Taman Chi Liung.
Bukit Aman CID D3 principal assistant director ACP Fadil Marsus said that the raid was carried out under operation 'Op Pintas Bersepadu' and the police rushed a restaurant, as well as two workers' dormitories, around 12.45am.
"During the operation, we managed to save 22 migrant workers aged between 23 and 44 years old, including 11 women from Indonesia and 11 men from India."
The workers were subjugated to exploitation.
They received pay cuts, were trapped in dormitories, and were constantly threatened by employers.
Fadil Marsus explained, "Investigations found that the employer failed to pay the workers the promised salary of RM1,500 and they only received a payment of RM10 a day."
They were also trapped in their dorms after working hours, were made to work for 12 hours a day, and were not granted any leave days.
"Victims are also banned from using handphones even after working hours and would have to seek permission from the employer if they'd like to use a phone," Fadil added.
"The victims would be threatened with beatings if they try to run away or eat anything other than the rationed food. If they take food with side dishes, their salary would be deducted. As a matter of fact, even the living spaces prepared for the workers are not in accordance with Act 446."
Police have apprehended three men who are the employers as well as managers of the premise
According to Utusan Malaysia, authorities also confiscated 40 passports, two handphones, a BMW car, and RM3,858 in cash believed to be earnings from their business.
The case is being investigated according to Section 13 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (ATIPSOM) Act 2007, Section 55B of the Immigration Act 1959 and 1963, as well as Section 12(1)(f) of the Passport Act 1966.
