Not paying workers on time among elements of forced labour, says Sivakumar

V. Sivakumar, Minister of Human Resources, has stated that not paying workers or paying salaries late is considered forced labor according to the International Labour Organization (ILO). He emphasized that employers engaged in such practices, particularly those involved in exporting products, risk losing business opportunities with other countries. Sivakumar also reminded employers that it is mandatory to pay workers through bank transfers, not with cash or cheques. He pointed out that this requirement is stipulated in Section 25 and 25(A) of the Employment Act 1955. Failure to comply with this law can result in fines of up to RM50,000, as stated by the minister during a press conference at Wisma Perkeso on August 22.