Malaysia is one of Asia's biggest employers of foreign labour. But recently, cases of deaths, abuse and forced labour have come to light. What is going on? Who is protecting these migrant workers?
Only 1,468 Thai workers had crossed the border legally via Sadao and Padang Besar, it said quoting Waemahadee Waedaoh, chairman of a sub-committee formed by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) to tackle the problem and assist the workers.
<P>Waemahadee said most of the illegal workers travelled to Malaysia
from Chana, Na Thawi, Thepha, Saba Yoi and Sadao to work in the fishing, restaurant,
rubber and manufacturing industries.</P><P>He said the sub-committee would study
the situation, indicating that it could involve as many as 200,000 workers, and
would submit a report to the government.</P><P>Some of the workers were born in
Malaysia and the problem has existed for as long as 30 years, he said, adding
that those working illegally have no access to health or welfare services and
have to live in hiding.</P><P>The matter was a national security concern and the
issue of nationality has to be resolved, the daily quoted Waemahadee as telling
a meeting of district leaders at the Chana Community Hall in Songkhla.</P><P>Thailand
has estimated that there are between 50,000 and 100,000 people holding dual citizenship
along the common border.</P><P>During the visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk
Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to Thailand recently, both countries agreed to set
up a committee to resolve the long-standing issue of dual nationality. — BERNAMA</P><P><I>Source:
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=248521</I>
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