Latest news with #HumanResourcesMinistry
The Star
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
More needed to drive change
PETALING JAYA: Heavy vehicle owners say that naming and shaming companies with overdue traffic summonses may encourage company owners to toe the line, but it is not a fix-it-all solution for reducing fatal accidents. Company owners, particularly lorry operators, also point out that while they strive to uphold road safety, the government should explore additional ways to promote civic-mindedness among drivers. They were responding to Transport Minister Anthony Loke's revelation yesterday that 11 companies operating goods vehicles have accumulated more than 1,000 overdue traffic summonses. Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Lorry Owners Association secretary-general Alvin Choong said the minister's expose will prompt lorry operators to settle their summonses and comply with the law. 'Companies will toe the line, as they are responsible for the misconduct of their drivers. 'This is stipulated in the transport ordinance Land Public Transport Act 2010 (Apad) Act. 'The summons should not be discounted, as that would then defeat the very purpose (of naming and shaming),' said Choong when contacted. Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association president Datuk Mohamad Ashfar Ali said that while some technical offences – such as faulty brakes, worn-out tyres or vehicles operating without insurance – are clearly the responsibility of the company, many traffic-related offences, especially those involving express buses, are the fault of individual drivers rather than the operators. 'As operators, we can train, advise and guide our drivers, but once they are on the road, it's out of our hands. 'If they break the law and the company reprimands the drivers, they just leave for another company,' he said. Mohamad Ashfar said express bus companies often receive summonses for speeding and other violations committed by their drivers, despite taking all possible preventative measures. 'A comprehensive driver card system can track driver movements between companies and ensure that any malpractice is monitored. 'These proposals have been on the table for over 10 years. 'If the ministry is serious about reducing accidents, they must introduce a proper system to track, monitor and regulate drivers. Only then will we see lasting change,' he said. Mohamad Ashfar added that the government should also consider extending the allocation of 1,000 free training slots for B40 individuals seeking to obtain an E-class driving licence. 'We are facing a shortfall of at least 5,000 drivers annually across the transport sector, from buses to lorries, charter services and factory and school buses. 'We have appealed to the Human Resources Ministry for support but received no response. 'These three measures – free training for aspiring drivers, the introduction of a driver card and a comprehensive data registry – must go hand in hand. 'That's the only way we'll see drivers slow down and accidents go down,' he added. Another lorry operator said there is no point in introducing new ideas and laws to curb heavy vehicle companies and drivers if there is no enforcement on the ground. 'If your enforcement is no good and there are loopholes, that would defeat the very purpose of having such ideas and laws in the first place. 'Road safety is the responsibility of all stakeholders, including the government. It takes two to tango, and when one fails in its part, that is when the safety issues occur,' said the lorry operator, who declined to be named. Meanwhile, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Trucking Association president Datuk Wong Kean Ki said that forcing the payment of traffic summonses is not the solution to the issue of reckless drivers, as there are other factors that have to be addressed. 'For lorry drivers, the summonses are issued on the road to the reckless drivers, who will then throw them away. 'We will only come to know of the mass of summons accumulated when we are renewing the road tax. By then, the reckless lorry driver may have left the company. 'We try our best in disciplining our drivers and filtering them before they are hired. However, we still end up getting these reckless drivers. To be a lorry driver, they must have proper licences and we only have a limited pool to choose from. 'While naming and shaming heavy vehicle companies with accumulated traffic summonses may be the minister's way, for us it just means we have to quickly find ways to pay them. 'And to pay these summonses, we have to operate our lorries. To operate our lorries, we need drivers. 'Putting the brakes on our lorries will mean there is no income, which means we would not be able to pay the summonses. 'In the end, no one wins. As it is, the economic situation is dismal. It's a terrible cycle of factors and issues which cannot be solved by merely naming and shaming heavy vehicle operators,' said Wong. Malaysia Trucking Federation (MTF) president Datuk Ng Koong Sinn said that a more wholesome approach must be taken to handle recklessness on the roads. 'It must begin in schools. Even lorry drivers would have to go through our education system when they are young. 'Our education system must inculcate road safety and civic-mindedness in their lessons. Only then can we address the issues of road bullying and reckless driving, as people have to be trained from young to be civic- minded,' said Ng.
Free Malaysia Today
5 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Pay bus drivers minimum wage or face action, ministry tells firms
The human resources ministry said the labour department will tighten enforcement against parties that violate the laws on wages, including bus companies. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : The human resources ministry says it will not hesitate to act against companies that flout national wage laws, in response to a report on the low basic salaries paid to bus drivers. Harian Metro had reported that some express and tour bus drivers claimed they receive basic salaries as low as RM700, with some saying they are not paid base salaries at all. In a statement today, the ministry said it takes such reports seriously, and that the labour department will tighten enforcement against parties violating the laws on wages. It reiterated that all companies must pay their employees a minimum of RM1,700 regardless of salary structure, according to the Minimum Wages Order 2024. It said companies that flout the National Wages Consultative Council Act 2011 are punishable under Section 43 of the Act, with first-time offenders liable to a fine not exceeding RM10,000 for each employee, and repeat offenders a maximum of RM20,000 or up to five years' prison sentence. In the report, those who claimed they are not paid basic salaries said they have to rely on travel allowances and overtime work to make ends meet. 'In my company, there is no base salary. I earn RM50 for a single trip from Manjung (Perak) to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (Kuala Lumpur). I can make RM100 a day from a round trip. 'If I take four days off in a month, I earn around RM2,600. If I don't take any day off, I can earn RM3,000,' said a 29-year-old express bus driver who only wanted to be known as Mamat. Another driver, who asked to be identified as Mior, said he had previously taken only three days off in a month, relying on payment depending on the distance of his trips. Malaysian Bumiputera Bus Operators Association chairman Zainal Abidin Mehat also said some bus companies allow their drivers to work up to 28 days a month because of a shortage of manpower. The ministry also said it would carry out a review of 28 labour-related laws through a task force headed by deputy secretary-general (policy and international) Shaharin Umar to ensure that there are no exploitable legal loopholes. This review is scheduled for completion in May next year.
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
HRD Corp kicks off NTW 2025 with Malaysia's largest corporate teambuilding event
IN conjunction with National Training Week (NTW) 2025, the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) launched Trainerthon 2025 — an industry-driven initiative aimed at strengthening corporate skills development and fostering a culture of lifelong learning among Malaysian businesses. Organised by and held at Bertam Resort and Water Park, Kepala Batas, Penang, the event brought together 1,000 participants from both the public and private sectors in a large-scale team-building programme, which set a new Malaysia Book of Records entry for the most corporate team building facilities in a resort. HRD Corp Chief Programmes Officer Soffian Amin said Trainerthon 2025 is a key platform to empower the industry to take a more active role in human capital development and lifelong learning. He said the initiative supports NTW 2025's goal of fostering a culture of continuous learning—not just in technical training, but also in soft skills, which are vital in today's economy. 'As an agency under the Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA), HRD Corp is committed to upskilling and reskilling efforts, and positioning NTW as an open platform for accessible learning across all segments of society. 'Trainerthon 2025 reflects this vision, showing how experiential learning can help build a competitive future workforce,' he said at the closing ceremony. Through NTW, he said HRD Corp is building an ecosystem where Malaysian companies of all sizes are empowered to take the lead in promoting lifelong learning among their workforce. Soffian, who also serves as NTW chairman, added that Trainerthon 2025 exemplifies the value of public-private collaboration in driving national learning and skills development. He said the programme reflects how the private sector is stepping up to champion innovation in corporate learning. "It showcases a model where the government and industry work together to deliver scalable, impactful learning experiences that benefit employees and organisations alike. "This is exactly the type of partnership HRD Corp seeks to foster under Malaysia's leadership in Asean Year of Skills 2025 by inspiring more cross-sector action to build a future-ready workforce," he said. He said the programme offers an experiential learning approach that helps employees develop critical soft skills such as communication, leadership, teamwork and adaptability that are essential in the digital and Al-driven economy. "More than just a 'fun' teambuilding exercise, it is a strategic tool for building agile, resilient teams — reflecting how Malaysian employers are reimagining learning for the future of work.' A programme that is challenging yet rewarding Participant S. Koamathi, 43, said it was her first time taking part in such an event. 'I feel great, and I believe this is a valuable platform to enhance my skills both as an employee and a trainer,' she said. Koamathi, a florist who runs a flower shop in Sungai Petani, said the programme also helped her develop new skills in team building, collaboration and critical thinking. 'It also taught us how to think strategically to achieve our goals and develop leadership qualities,' she added. IT trainer Fazlu Muhyudin Syed Ibramsa, 36, who attended the programme with three of his employees, said the one-day event not only equipped him with new knowledge and skills, but also taught him the importance of effective communication and teamwork. The programme also provided a great opportunity to connect with peers from other companies. 'The team-building activities helped us make new friends and improved our communication, collaboration and understanding of different workplace cultures,' he said, adding that he hopes similar programmes will be held regularly for their valuable experiences that go beyond the typical work environment. Quality engineer Lee Khan En, 29, described the programme as a valuable opportunity to strengthen teamwork among participants. 'We had the chance to learn from one another's ideas throughout the activities. Some of the challenges were tough, but they really pushed us to collaborate and rely on each other.' Lee added that the programme also helped sharpen their social and interpersonal skills. 'As someone who's naturally introverted, it helped me become more confident in communicating and connecting with others,' he said, adding that the experience also exposed him to diverse perspectives and problem-solving approaches. According to Soffian, HRD Corp through NTW is building an ecosystem where Malaysian companies of all sizes are empowered to take the lead in promoting lifelong learning among their workforce. A historic milestone for NTW 2025 The one-day event brought together 1,000 participants from diverse backgrounds, who took on 25 gruelling checkpoints designed to test their physical endurance, mental resilience, and team spirit. Trainerthon 2025 was officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records in the category of 'Most Facilities for Corporate Team Building in a Resort.' Bertam Resort and Water Park manager Siti Fatimah Packeer Mohd described Trainerthon 2025 as a large-scale corporate team-building programme that blends physical, mental and collaborative challenges. "The initiative not only embraces the concept of experiential learning, but also aligns with the objectives of NTW 2025 to cultivate a skilled and competitive workforce. 'This programme is designed to help each participant grow, both individually and as part of a stronger, more cohesive team. We've created a learning experience that focuses on soft skill development and fostering closer team connections,' she said.
The Star
6 days ago
- The Star
Sim: Comply or lose labour quarters licence
BUKIT MERTAJAM: The Human Resources Ministry will not hesitate to revoke the operating licences of centralised labour quarters (CLQ) and temporary labour quarters (TLQ) if operators fail to comply with the Employees' Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446), says Steven Sim (pic). The Human Resources Minister said the warning followed a commotion involving a group of foreign workers at a TLQ operating in a hotel here on Friday, which caused unease among local residents. He said Act 446 stipulates the provision of suitable housing and basic amenities for foreign workers, but employers must also prioritise workers' welfare, safety and discipline to avoid negative impacts on the surrounding community. 'CLQs and TLQs are meant to centralise the accommodation of foreign workers so that it doesn't affect local neighbourhoods. It's very important to have this system. 'I have discussed this matter with the operators of such facilities. I've also issued a reminder to ensure workers' welfare is safeguarded and that their presence does not disturb the community. 'If they fail, I will not hesitate to instruct the Labour Department and local authorities to revoke their licences,' he said at a press conference here yesterday, Bernama reported. Also present were Penang local government and town and country planning committee chairman H'ng Mooi Lye and Penang Labour Department deputy director A. Thanavalli. Sim said the foreign worker permits of the companies involved could also be cancelled, stressing that such actions were not meant to be punitive against industries or employers, but to ensure they understood the consequences of failing to manage their workers responsibly. He noted that the hotel in Bukit Mertajam had been approved by the Seberang Perai City Council to operate as a TLQ until 2027, and had also obtained certification from the Labour Department. A total of 1,113 migrant workers were housed at the TLQ – comprising 946 from Bangladesh, 129 from Nepal and 38 from Myanmar. Sim said the incident on Friday night occurred when a group of migrant workers gathered outside the premises to protest against a TLQ supervisor who had allegedly collected money from them for certain purposes without the company's knowledge. He said the case is being investigated by the police, adding that the Labour Department is also conducting checks to ensure compliance with Act 446. Earlier, the media reported that police arrested 46 foreign men following the disturbance outside the hotel used as a workers' hostel.
Barnama
6 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Centralised, Temporary Labour Quarters Licences Can Be Revoked If Operators Violate Act 446
BUKIT MERTAJAM, June 22 (Bernama) -- The Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA) will not hesitate to revoke the operating licences of Centralised Labour Quarters (CLQ) and Temporary Labour Quarters (TLQ) if operators fail to comply with the provisions under the Employees' Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446). Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said the warning followed a commotion involving a group of foreign workers at a TLQ operating in a hotel here on Friday, which caused unease among local residents. He said Act 446 stipulated the provision of suitable housing and basic amenities for foreign workers, but that employers must also prioritise workers' welfare, safety, and discipline to avoid negative impacts on the surrounding community. 'CLQs and TLQs are meant to centralise the accommodation of foreign workers so that it doesn't affect local neighbourhoods. So it's very important to have this system. I have discussed this matter with the operators of such facilities. 'I've also issued a reminder to ensure that workers' welfare is safeguarded and that their presence does not disturb the community. If they fail, I will not hesitate to instruct the Labour Department (JTK) and local authorities (PBT) to revoke their licences,' he said at a press conference here today. Also present were Penang Local Government and Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H'ng Mooi Lye and Penang Labour Department deputy director A. Thanavalli. Sim said the foreign worker permits of the companies involved could also be cancelled, stressing that such actions were not meant to be punitive against industries or employers, but to ensure they understood the consequences of failing to manage their workers responsibly. He added that the hotel in Bukit Mertajam had been approved by the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) to operate as a TLQ until 2027, and had also obtained certification from the Labour Department. A total of 1,113 migrant workers were housed at the TLQ—comprising 946 from Bangladesh, 129 from Nepal and 38 from Myanmar.
