KUALA LUMPUR - More than 100 Bangladeshi workers employed by a company in Johor Bharu have not received their wages and overtime payments for the past six months, following an investigation by the labour department.

In a statement, Malaysia’s Ministry of Human Resources said the Department of Labour launched a probe after media reports highlighted delayed salary payments involving Pasir Gudang based Esstar Vision Sdn Bhd.

The investigation found that the company employs 169 workers, including 65 locals 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.

The ministry said that in 2025, 14 labour cases were filed involving 29 local workers, with total claims amounting to RM263,076.79.

It added that this year, 14 new cases were opened involving 86 foreign workers and six local workers, with total claims reaching RM636,414.65.

Of this amount, RM578,000 consists of claims involving foreign workers.

Following the findings, Human Resources Minister, Datuk Seri R. Ramanan instructed authorities to take immediate action against the Johor based company.

“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 also ordered further investigation to ensure all violations are fully addressed and appropriate legal action is taken.