Citing the Employment Act 1955, Yahya said the law stated the rights and responsibilities of employers of local and foreign workers.

"Both are entitled to the same rights. It is also mandatory for employers who hire foreign workers to report to the nearest labour office within 14 days from the date of hiring, as stated under Section 60K of the bill. This is to ensure the workers are protected and not harmed."

He said the department and Human Resources Ministry had adopted measures to ensure foreign workers were protected, including monitoring employers' records and enforcement of laws on errant employers.

He said of the 53,055 employers screened last year, 106 were fined more than RM200,000 in total and 136 paid fines amounting to RM414,000.