SINGAPORE - A company was fined $17,500 for failing to pay salaries to five of its employees, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said in a press release on Thursday (March 23).

Raycom Engineering & Aerospace, which manufactures metal precision components, was convicted of five charges with nine charges taken into consideration.

In addition, MOM has also debarred the company from employing foreign workers.

The company was in July last year accused of defaulting on the salaries of five of its workers from March to May 2016.

All five affected local workers have recovered their salary arrears, amounting to about $30,000, plus corresponding CPF contributions, with help from MOM.

Not paying an employee his salary for work done within seven days after the last day of the employee's salary period is an offence.

First-time offenders can be jailed for up to six months, fined up to $15,000 or both.

Repeat offenders face double of both those jail and prison times.

MOM urged workers who have not been paid their salaries or feel that their wages were wrongfully withheld to come forward early to MOM or their respective unions for help, as this will improve the chances of getting one's salary recovered.

Those who know of people or employers who contravene the Employment Act should make a report to MOM or call the WorkRight hotline on 1800-221-922, or e-mail workright@mom.gov.sg.

All information will be kept strictly confidential.