The errant employer who allegedly breached an employment contract with a group of Indian workers will be hauled in for a full hearing by the Melaka labour department in two weeks' time.

State labour director Khamis AR Majid said investigations into the allegations made by 38 migrant workers were almost complete.

"Once the paperwork is done, we will summon the company for a full hearing. On Tuesday, lawyers filed an official claim on salary claims under the Employment Act," he said when contacted yesterday.

He said the department was pro-active in handling such cases.

"When we hear of such cases, we will investigate immediately because it is our legal and moral duty to ensure that the workers are not victimised by companies.

"We've also advised the lawyers to file an injunction against deportation of the workers. That's the best we can do within our jurisdiction," he added.

Terms breached

The group initially had 38 workers but some of them had 'disappeared', leaving behind 27. However another two new workers had joined the group since then.

The employees claimed the employer, Melaka-based Technointan Holding Sdn Bhd, a concrete piles manufacturer, had breached the terms of their employment contract.

The group escaped deportation by fleeing to a Sikh temple in Melaka city just as they were being forced to board the bus to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

The company has refused to comment on the matter.

Melaka legal aid committee member Jaspal Singh, when contacted, said they claimed payment of salaries on the contracted monthly rate, overtime as well as the unlawful deduction of their salaries for levy payment.

"The department said an employer cannot deduct levy from a worker's salary without the required permission.

"The company had also not issued salary slips to its workers and is still holding on to their passports."

Valid permits

However, Jaspal said the state immigration department had explained that the workers would not be deported because their work permits are still valid.

"Therefore, there is no need for us to apply for an injunction as their status is no longer undocumented workers.

"But we are asking the state immigration to ensure the return of the workers' passports."

Melaka immigration department was not available for confirmation.

The committee of the Sikh temple located at Jalan Temenggung has offered them shelter for one month until Sept 13 before reviewing their case.