CHUKAI: A total of 709 former workers of Perwaja Steel Sdn Bhd in Kemaman, who were retrenched in November 2014, have received compensation totalling RM8.645mil.

       Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob handed over compensation cheques to them, with each getting between RM3,000 and RM21,000.

       The issue of the former workers’ claim for compensation had been resolved after a seven-year court battle, he said at the cheque presentation ceremony at the Kemaman Umno division office hall here yesterday.

       Perwaja, set up in 1982 under the country’s heavy industrialisation policy, changed ownership several times after running into financial and other problems, before it eventually ceased operations.

       Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) secretary-general Kamarul Baharin Mansor said Perwaja had contributed a lot to Kemaman’s development.

       “But the way the workers were retrenched was sad.

       “They were not paid their salaries for up to six months and not allowed to enter the factory.

       “Only a notice was posted at the entrance of the premises,” he said, Bernama reported.

       A. Ghani Ismail, 62, who worked with Perwaja for 30 years, thanked everyone who had fought for the workers’ rights, saying he was grateful that the case was finally settled.

       “Alhamdulillah (praise be to God), justice has been served.

       “I will use this money for Raya and to perform the umrah,” said the former store supervisor, who received RM20,000.

       Jalilati Said, 45, said her efforts in seeking compensation for her 13 years’ service as a clerk had finally paid off.

       “I went to court twice in 2018 to get compensation.

       “I never failed to attend any MTUC programmes related to this problem because I was keen to know the latest developments,” she added.

       The mother of four said she would use the money she had received to settle her debts and other commitments, including to cover the losses suffered after her food stall in Teluk Kalong here was flooded recently.

       At yesterday’s event, the Prime Minister urged the MTUC to play an important role in nurturing a good relationship between employers and employees as such cordial ties could enhance the country’s economic capability.

       “I also hope labour unions will work with the government to improve workers’ welfare,” Ismail Sabri said.

       He added that employers also needed to continue cooperating to ensure a harmonious environment at the workplace for their employees.

       He also reiterated that the implementation of the minimum wage would go on from May 1, even though there were various views and objections.

       Details of the implementation would be made by Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan soon, Ismail Sabri said.