MARAN, Aug 2 — Starting yesterday the Human Resource Ministry has implemented a large scale operation to check 600,000 private companies in the various sectors to trace errant employers who have yet to implement the Minimum Wages Order enforced since July 1.

Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Abd Mutalib said the ministry would not compromise on the matter as it had given ample time and opportunity to comply with the order.

"This is the second phase of the minimum wages implementation with a new rate of RM1,000 in the peninsular and RM920 in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan, so if they are stubborn, the penalty awaits them.

"We have already conducted campaigns and awareness clinics for all employers nationwide so that they understand the implementation concept of these minimum wages,” he told a media conference after feting Haj pilgrims from the Maran parliamentary constituency here today.

Ismail, who is also Maran Member of Parliament, said the implementation of the new minimum wages were decided jointly by all parties, including employers, workers and the government to ensure it did not burden any quarters. — Bernama