(Bandar Seri Begawan, 20th) The enforcement division of the Ministry of Manpower and Employment conducted an operation codenamed “Usai189/2026” on August 10, 2026, in the Kampong Lambak area, with the aim of strengthening enforcement measures to ensure employers comply with the stipulations of Section 278 of the Employment Act.
During an inspection of a car repair shop, it was found that the shop violated six provisions of Section 278 of the Employment Act, allegedly committing illegal acts against several local and foreign workers, including: Section 39(2) (failure to pay overtime wages), Section 44 (illegal deduction of wages under Section 278), Section 64 (work performed on public holidays), Section 65 (working hours exceeding the legal limit), Section 70 (failure to provide statutory public holiday leave), and Section 112(2) (violation of the conditions of foreign worker permits, i.e., foreign workers engaging in jobs different from their permits, for example, a general laborer working as a driver). If an employer is found to have violated the Employment Act (Chapter 278), further investigations will be pursued. If convicted, the employer may be fined up to BND 1,000 for each offense.
If the employer refuses to pay the fine, legal action will be taken.
In this regard, the Ministry of Manpower and Employment reminds employers to always comply with the provisions of the Employment Act (Chapter 278) and pay close attention to the welfare of their employees. For example: if an employee works more than 8 hours per day or more than 44 hours per week, the employer must pay overtime wages; employers must deduct employees’ wages according to legal provisions; if employees work on public holidays, employers must either pay double wages or arrange alternative rest days; employees must not work more than 8 hours per day, shift workers must not work more than 12 hours per day, and monthly overtime must not exceed 72 hours; employers must provide statutory public holiday leave, and offer employees secure job opportunities according to the positions specified by the Ministry of Manpower and Employment.
If the employer refuses to pay the fine, legal action will be taken.
In this regard, the Ministry of Manpower and Employment reminds employers to always comply with the provisions of the Employment Act (Chapter 278) and pay close attention to the welfare of their employees. For example: if an employee works more than 8 hours per day or more than 44 hours per week, the employer must pay overtime wages; employers must deduct employees’ wages according to legal provisions; if employees work on public holidays, employers must either pay double wages or arrange alternative rest days; employees must not work more than 8 hours per day, shift workers must not work more than 12 hours per day, and monthly overtime must not exceed 72 hours; employers must provide statutory public holiday leave, and offer employees secure job opportunities according to the positions specified by the Ministry of Manpower and Employment.