KUALA LUMPUR: The Labour Department has opened eight investigation papers against Kawaguchi Manufacturing Sdn Bhd and accommodation providers for the delayed payment of salaries and the lack of certification for their accommodation facilities.
The department said a labour claim was filed last month by 57 Bangladeshi workers against the company, totalling RM806,310.
"In September 2024, the department received unofficial reports from the company's employees regarding issues related to salary payments, overtime pay and unsuitable accommodation conditions.
"The Port Klang labour office conducted an investigation and found that the raised issues were valid. The employees were advised to file a labour claim against the company," it said in a statement today.
On Dec 14, the department said a negotiation involving the department, a representative from the Bangladesh Embassy and the company was held but ended in a dead end.
"The company proposed to settle the outstanding wages in installments until September 2025, but this was met with opposition from the workers, who insisted on receiving their full payment by the end of the year," the statement read.
The department also said that discussions would be held today regarding the transfer process to a new employer under a special programme, which involves 204 foreign workers who hold valid permits.
"The labour department will ensure that the issues faced by the workers at the company are addressed fairly and that their welfare is protected," it said.
On Dec 14, about 220 Bangladeshi workers protested outside Kawaguchi's factory in Port Klang, demanding seven months of unpaid wages.