WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION ACT (Insurance coverage by employers)

Inche Abdul Aziz Karim asked the Minister for Labour if he will ensure that employers do insure all their insurable employees under the Workmen's Compensation Act.

Mr Sia Kah Hui (for the Minister for Labour): Mr Speaker, Sir, steps will be taken by the Labour Ministry to ensure that employers do insure all their insurable employees under the Workmen's Compensation Act.

Labour Inspectors when making their routine inspection will check that employers have insured themselves in respect of their liability under the Workmen's Compensation Act.

The Ministry is also considering the possibility of requesting employers to submit returns to ascertain that they have insured themselves against their liability under the Workmen's Compensation Act. The necessary regulations and forms will have to be published and staff found to check the returns if this is to be done.