The Law Enforcement Division of the Department of Labour conducted Operasi Siaga 278/2024 on December 11, aimed at ensuring compliance with the Employment Order, 2009, by employers.
An inspection in Kampong Lumut, Kuala Belait, revealed five violations of the Employment Order, 2009. The offences included the failure to provide written employment contracts (Section 10), unauthorised salary deductions (Section 44), the failure to provide public holiday leave (Section 70), the failure to grant annual leave (Section 71), and breaching conditions of the foreign worker licence (Section 112(2), where a worker hired as a shop labourer was found performing meat-cutting tasks.
Under the Employment Order, 2009, employers found guilty of such violations may face a compound fine of up to BND1,000 for each offence. The failure to pay the fines could result in prosecution in court. The Department of Labour reminded employers to prioritise the welfare of their employees in compliance with the Employment Order, 2009. This includes ensuring written employment contracts, timely salary payments, and granting annual paid leave in accordance with workers’ entitlements.
Employers are also urged to refrain from misusing foreign worker licences or violating regulations under the Employment Order, 2009.
For inquiries, the Department of Labour can be contacted at 2381848 during office hours or 7298989 outside working hours. – Fadley Faisal
