MUKAH: The Sarawak Labour Department inspected employees’ living quarters provided by employers here today (Mar 30).
The inspection was conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (Mukah branch).
The living quarters were for workers in industrial factories, coal mines and fishing boats.
Director of the department in Sarawak Awang Raduan Awang Omar, in a statement, said the results of the inspections found that the quarters did not comply with the minimum standard of housing as outlined under the Emergency Ordinance (Minimum Standard of Housing, Accommodation and Facilities of 1990 (Amendment) 2021).
“The living quarters inspected were dirty and smelly. This matter must be looked into seriously and corrective actions must be taken immediately to avoid the spread of contagious diseases,” he stated.
Awang Raduan also said that each room to be occupied by the employees must be comfortable and should not be small or narrow.
“The compound areas of the living quarters must be safe from any dangers. Employers and employees are advised to take care of the cleanliness of their quarters.
“The employees are also reminded not to gather together and to always comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent the transmission of Covid-19 in their accommodation,” he added.
