KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 (Bernama) -- The Employees’ Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446) requires, among others, employers to provide a minimum space for workers’ accommodation and basic facilities. Although the COVID-19 pandemic is now under control in Malaysia, the workers’ housing has been thrust into the limelight being the centerpiece in the raft of measures mediated to break the infection chains as well as in safeguarding workers’ welfare.
 
In view of this, the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) working in collaboration with the various timber associations, has taken the initiative to produce a video on the best practices of workers’ accommodations in compliance with Act 446 to ensure the industry players provide proper accommodations and amenities for its workers. Compliance with the Act would also aid the government’s efforts to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
 
The over 5-minutes video adopts an educational approach and narrates the compliance requirements of Act 446 which is now more comprehensive and prioritises the welfare of workers. The enforcement of Act 446, effective from 1 September 2020, stipulates the need for employers to obtain a certificate of accommodation from the Labour Department of Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM).
 
The video highlights some of the guidelines and provisions of the minimum standards requirement in aspects of accommodations and basic amenities that must be provided for workers.
 
“Many timber companies and employers are receptive and are more than happy to comply with Act 446. In order to help the timber industry to comply and fully implement the necessary changes as required under Act 446, MTC produced an educational video to reinforce awareness about the importance of ensuring a liveable condition and comfortable accommodations for its workers” MTC CEO Mr. Muhtar Suhaili said on why the Council came up with the video.
 
“This is one of the initiatives made by MTC to ensure the timber industry always adheres to the minimum standards of housing and amenities stipulated under Act 446. Act 446 is a step in the right direction as it ensures businesses and employers maintain proper and decent housing standards and amenities for their workers. This is also in line with international requirements in respecting workers’ rights,” he added.
 
The timber industry is the third-largest export earner in the Agri-commodity sector after palm oil and rubber with a total export of RM22.74 billion in 2021 which contributes about 10.85% to the Agri-commodity sector in national earnings.
 
The timber industry including the furniture sector by and large has been rather successful in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic in the absence of extensive resources. They were among the few industries that were allowed to operate during the Movement Control Order (MCO), since March 2020. Factory operators were proactive in adopting the strict SOPs spelled out by the Malaysian National Security Council (MKN) to prevent any untoward incidences.
 
In 2021, MTC has also produced a SOP video for all the timber and furniture companies to use as a reference to guide and remind their workers and staff to adhere to the SOP at all times.
 
Please watch the full video on MTC YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/1041fqmpLkk 

About the Malaysian Timber Council
The Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) was established in January 1992 to promote the development and growth of the Malaysian timber industry globally. MTC's main objectives are to promote the Malaysian timber trade and develop the market for timber products globally, to promote the development of the industry by upgrading the industry's manufacturing technology base, to augment the supply of raw materials, to provide information services and to protect and improve the Malaysian timber industry's global image. Further information on the Council’s activities can be obtained from www.mtc.com.my.
 
Issued by the Malaysian Timber Council


SOURCE : Malaysian Timber Council (MTC)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name : Lau Li Lar
Strategic Planning & Corporate Communications Division
Tel : 03-92811999 Ext 500
E-mail : lau@mtc.com.my
 
Name : Sharmila V
Strategic Planning & Corporate Communications Division
Tel : 03-92811999 Ext 501
E-mail : sharm@mtc.com.my
 
--BERNAMA