ALOR GAJAH (Sept 24): A glove factory paid an RM20,000 fine at the Sessions Court here today for failing to ensure the safety of its employees, resulting in a fatal accident.

Judge Ahmad Sazali Omar meted out the sentence against Maxter Glove Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, represented by its manager Bo Kok Tan, 50, after the company pleaded guilty to failing to safeguard the safety and health of its employees by not ensuring the safe operation of a mini conveyor belt.

The negligence was alleged to have caused the death of Bangladeshi Md Al Mamun, 31, at a factory on Jalan Industri 12, Kawasan Perindustrian Alor Gajah here at 6.30 am on Feb 20.

The company was charged under Section 15 (1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994, punishable under Section 19 of the same Act which carries a fine of not more than RM50,000 or a maximum jail term of two years, or both.

Earlier, Melaka Department of Occupational Safety and Health (JKKP) prosecuting officer Mohd Fairuz Mohd Rashid urged the court to impose a deterrent fine against the company.

However, Bo, who was not represented by counsel, sought a lighter penalty as it was a first-time offence, and that the plant had complied with the directives of the Department of Environment and DOSH by spending a certain amount on upgrades, as well as compensating the victim's family.