Azlan Othman
Law Enforcement Division personnel detected two offences under the Employment Order, 2009 during the recent Operation Sejahtera 168/2022, which targetted a garbage disposal site in Kampong Gadong.
The employer was found to have not provided proper accommodation to workers, and that the staff quarters’ placement did not adhere to the Foreign Workers Licence (LPA).
The staff quarters was deemed to be too close to garbage dumps, with the room conditions cramped and uncomfortable.
The operation was conducted to enforce and ensure employers comply with the Employment Order, 2009.
The employer committed an offence under Section 80, which is failing to provide a clean, comfortable and safe place to live. The employer also committed an offence under Section 112 (2) of violating the conditions of the LPA.
For both offences, if convicted, the employer may be subject to a compound fine of BND600 for the first offence and BND900 for the second. The employer was also instructed to immediately relocate the employees to a suitable location.
Employers are reminded to monitor employees’ welfare, ensuring it is in accordance with the requirements of the Employment Order 2009 – such as the preparation of employment contracts and payment of wages on time. Employers are advised not to misuse the LPA or violate the Act under the Employment Order 2009.
