21 June 2021

A Johor Baru firm that appeared in a Sunday Mirror report over allegations of labour abuse has denied all claims of exploitation, insisting that the individual feeding such information to the UK-based news organisation has ulterior motives. 

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This follows a news report alleging some workers at a plant run by ATA’s subsidiary – ATA Industrial Sdn Bhd – clocked up to 186 hours in overtime a month and were forced to live in squalid accommodations with 60 people to one room.

Speaking to The Vibes, ATA senior manager (legal) Kavita Kaushaliya Jivanadham said the company has been complying with Malaysia’s standards and policies in relation to worker welfare. 

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Kavita said none of ATA’s staff has been working beyond the permitted overtime hours allowed under the Employment (Limitation of Overtime Work) Regulations 1980. 

However, she revealed that many staff members, including locals, voluntarily offer to work during their rest days and gazetted public holidays, with each employee permitted to be on duty for a maximum of 11 hours. 

“These are not included as part of the 104-hour limit. Voluntary work on rest days is allowed under the law. Those who are keen will be asked to sign a consent form. 

“We never force anyone to work on Sundays or public holidays. In fact, many would cry if we don’t allow them to work on these days,” she said, adding that those working on rest days are paid double, while triple pay is given for public holidays.

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On Dyson’s statement that the company conducted an independent audit on ATA and found no evidence of exploitation, Hall alleged that this is not the case. 

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