Malaysia is one of Asia's biggest employers of foreign labour. But recently, cases of deaths, abuse and forced labour have come to light. What is going on? Who is protecting these migrant workers?
From Jan 1, employers are required to state the basic salaries of workers in their remittance
forms so that EPF can check to ensure the right amounts are deducted.
<P>In the past, they were only required to state the amounts the employee and employer
contributed in Form A.</P>
<P>Several employers had deducted less than the statutory
requirement while some workers had worked in cahoots with their bosses to remit
less.</P>
<P>Under the EPF Act, workers contribute 11% of their basic salary monthly
and the employers 12%.</P>
<P>EPF senior corporate communications manager Nik Affendi
Jaafar confirmed that a notification from CEO Datuk Azlan Zainol was sent to more
than 440,000 employers recently.</P>
<P>In the letter, Azlan said the EPF was introducing
the amendment to the form by inserting an additional column regarding the employees’ wages for the month of submission.</P>
<P>“Wages are defined as money paid
to an employee under a contract or service as agreed to be paid monthly, weekly,
daily or otherwise including bonus, commission or any allowance which an employer
is required to pay.</P>
<P>“The new version of the form can be downloaded from the EPF website.”</P>
<P>Malaysian Employers Federation immediate past
president Jafar Carrim welcomed the move as part of the board’s drive to
enhance efficiency and effectiveness.</P>
<P>MTUC secretary-general G. Rajasekaran
said the new format was a good move in ensuring that the right amount would be
contributed by the employer.</P>
<P>“Some employers have been under-declaring
as they pay the remuneration under different categories, to escape paying the
right amount for the employee’s EPF contribution.</P>
<P>“Through the new system, the employee will be able to verify that the right amount is paid,” Rajasekaran added.
Address: Wisma MTUC,10-5, Jalan USJ 9/5T, 47620 Subang Jaya,Selangor | Tel: 03-80242953 | Fax: 03-80243225 | Email: sgmtuc@gmail.com.com