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?
The Consumers Association of Penang, which referred them to the police, is
puzzled by the police response.
<p>"Had we known that this would be their fate, we would not have advised
them to go to the police with their complaint," its president, S.M. Mohamed
Idris, told a Press conference here yesterday.</p>
<p>Abdul Rawoff Ziaudheen, Syed Abu Tahir, Anjath Khan, Md Noohu, Rawther Naina,
Shahul Hameed and Md Yakhub — aged between 27 and 33, were charged at the
magistrate’s court with rioting at their rooms at Hawa Restaurant, Lebuh
Chulia, on Aug 4. They were later released on RM500 bail each but had their
passports impounded.</p>
<p>Mohamed Idris said the workers were at a total loss when they came to see him
for assistance as they claimed they had been sacked without settlement of outstanding
wages.</p>
<p>"We thought going to the police was the best option but we were obviously
wrong. We feel terrible about this."</p>
<p>CAP has since submitted an appeal to Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail
to investigate the charge of rioting.</p>
<p>On Aug 22, the New Straits Times reported that the seven, hired as cooks and
helpers at the restaurant, claimed they were sacked after their employer found
out that they had reported the matter to the State Labour Department.</p>
<p>They claimed they were promised an average monthly salary of RM1,000 but never
received any payment since starting work in March. They then decided that enough
was enough and lodged a complaint with the labour office.</p>
<p>They said when the employer found out about the complaint, he allegedly assaulted
three workers — Syed Abu Tahir, Md Noohu and Rawther Naina.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Rawther Naina said he was told at the Jalan Patani station when
he went to lodge a report that that the employer had already lodged a report
against them.</p>
<p>"All of us, including our employer, are from the same village in Ramanad
district in Tamil Nadu, India."
Address: Wisma MTUC,10-5, Jalan USJ 9/5T, 47620 Subang Jaya,Selangor | Tel: 03-80242953 | Fax: 03-80243225 | Email: sgmtuc@gmail.com.com