Over 100 Bangladeshi workers unpaid in Malaysia for 6 months

Over 100 Bangladeshi workers employed by a Malaysian company in Johor Baru have not been paid their wages and overtime claims for the last six months, according to an investigation by the Malaysian labour department.

In a statement today, the Ministry of Human Resources of Malaysia said upon media reports on the issue, the country's Department of Labour conducted an investigation into the allegations of delayed salaries involving Pasir Gudang-based Esstar Vision Sdn Bhd, a company involved in construction and civil engineering.

The probe found that the company employs a total of 169 workers, consisting of 65 local and 104 workers from Bangladesh.

“Investigations revealed that salary payments have been delayed starting from September 2025 until February 2026. A portion of the salaries for September 2025 was only paid in instalments,” said a statement issued by the Malaysian Ministry of Human Resources.

It said in 2025, a total of 14 labour cases were filed involving 29 local workers, with total claims amounting to RM 263,076.79 (Tk 82 lakh).

This year, 14 new labour case files have been opened involving 86 foreign workers and six local workers, with total claims amounting to RM 636,414.65 (Tk 199 lakh). Of this total, RM 578,000 (Tk 180 lakh) consists of claims involving foreign workers.

Following the findings, Malaysian Human Resources Minister R Ramanan directed the authorities to take swift action against the Johor-based company, reports Free Malaysia Today.

“Protecting workers’ rights is a government priority, and there will be no compromise if labour laws are violated,” he said in a statement.

The minister has directed immediate action and further investigation into this company to ensure all aspects of non-compliance are thoroughly examined, and appropriate action is taken in accordance with the law.