SIBU: A company operating a skin care clinic was fined RM4,000 by the Magistrates’ Court here today after pleading guilty to two charges of failing to pay the minimum wage to two of its employees.
Magistrate Romario Jonoi imposed the sentence on the accused immediately after the guilty plea was recorded. The court imposed a fine of RM2,000 for each charge, making the total fine of RM4,000.
According to the charge, the employer was found to have failed to comply with the Minimum Wage Order 2024 involving two employees for the period January 2025 to February 2025.
A detailed investigation conducted by investigating officer Rudy Kennedy William Selan found that the salary rate paid to the clinic’s staff was below the minimum wage level set by the government for the period in question.
The prosecution was conducted by Sarawak Manpower Department prosecuting officer Kennedy Lawrence under Section 43 of the National Wage Negotiating Council Act 2011.
During the proceedings, the prosecution stressed that the department views any violation of labour laws seriously.
The department, through its enforcement division, is always committed to conducting regular and surprise inspections at business premises to ensure that workers’ rights are protected.
Failure to comply with the Minimum Wage Order 2024 is a serious offence that affects the welfare of workers, especially in the face of the current economic challenges.
Prior to passing sentence, the company, which was not represented by a lawyer, appealed for leniency.
The company has reportedly paid the fine and also settled the salary arrears to the two workers involved as a result of the department’s action.
