Bus Firms Will Face Action Over Minimum Wage Violations

Following recent accidents like the one in Gerik, questions are being raised about whether bus drivers are getting adequate rest. With a low basic salary, many drivers depend heavily on overtime and travel allowances to earn a livable wage.

Although rest breaks, sometimes up to six hours, are provided, financial pressures often push drivers to work longer hours, raising concerns about fatigue-related safety risks.

In response to reports of low base salaries among bus drivers, the Human Resources Ministry has vowed to take firm action against companies that violate minimum wage laws.

According to Harian Metro, some express and tour bus drivers claim to receive base pay as low as RM700 or none at all. The ministry said it takes these allegations seriously and that the Labour Department will step up enforcement against employers who flout wage regulations.

Chairman of the Malaysian Bumiputera Bus Operators Association Zainal Abidin Mehat noted that due to a shortage of drivers, some bus companies allow their staff to work up to 28 days a month.

In the meantime, the Human Resources Ministry has announced a review of 28 employment-related regulations to address potential loopholes in labor laws. This initiative will be undertaken by a special task force, headed by Deputy Secretary-General (Policy and International) Shaharin Umar, and is expected to be completed by May of next year.