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?
"There is no point conducting yet another exercise unless the root of
the problem is looked into seriously. Sabah has conducted many eviction exercises
(called by whatever name), the fact remains it is not effective in resolving
the problem.
<p>"On the contrary, it has multiplied by the hundreds of thousands over
the last 25 years," said the party’s deputy chairperson, Christina Liew,
Monday.</p>
<p>She said it was the view of the people that there must be political will on
the part of the Government to formulate effective policy in dealing with the
worsening problem.</p>
<p>"They are enjoying the rights, privileges and benefits of the bumiputra
status and citizens of Malaysia. What is our government’s stand on this?"
she asked.</p>
<p>"We call on the Government to have a multi-pronged approach in resolving
the issue. We reiterate that the Government must simplify and reduce the cost
of hiring legalised foreign workers in order to encourage employers to hire
only legalised workers," she said.</p>
<p>Christina said the present high levies on foreign workers were too costly,
both for the employers and employees.</p>
<p>"Hiring illegals would be an easier way out for both the workers and employers.
Thus the steady supply of illegals flooding our State bringing with them all
the social ills like squatter colonies, drugs, prostitution, HIV diseases and
also criminal activities, the list can go on and it is getting out of hand,"
she said.</p>
<p>In this respect, she said Keadilan believed the Government must review the
levy policy and reduce the cost of recruitment to the minimum to be able to
regularise effectively the foreign workers in the country.</p>
<p>The relevant authorities must come down hard on officers or agents who "manufacture
and sell" MyKads to these foreigners, she said, adding whatever motive
or agenda these people might have initially, they must stop this treason immediately
or face severe action.</p>
<p>"In the international level, we hope our Government has made concrete
effort through diplomatic channels in negotiating with our neighbouring countries
to curb the influx of illegal immigrants to Sabah.</p>
<p>"We don’t want only lip service to the people. We want to see some serious
negotiation and action on the part of the government," she said.
Address: Wisma MTUC,10-5, Jalan USJ 9/5T, 47620 Subang Jaya,Selangor | Tel: 03-80242953 | Fax: 03-80243225 | Email: sgmtuc@gmail.com.com