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?
Sixteen closed-circuit television cameras were installed
recently to improve security in northeastern Terengganu state’s main government
administrative complex, but they serve an additional purpose of keeping tabs on
some 1,000 workers there, Terengganu State Secretary Mokhtar Nong told The Star
newspaper.
<P>"We would know if they are adhering to office etiquette
or playing truant, and we can also gauge if they are disciplined at work,"
Mokhtar said, adding that another 26 cameras will be set up soon.</P><P>Mokhtar’s
aide said he was busy with meetings Monday and could not be disturbed. Other officials
could not comment on the report.</P><P>Mokhtar and Terengganu Chief Minister Idris
Jusoh were among those with access to the surveillance tapes, The Star said.</P><P>Officials
and workers interviewed by the newspaper praised the measure.</P><P>State Communications
Unit deputy director Ruslan Abdul Rahman was quoted as saying the decision was
"a brilliant idea," stressing that workers should "accept the move
in a positive manner as this will actually encourage them to excel further."</P><P>Abdul
Mubin Ismail, who works in the youth and sports department, told The Star that
the move was "not to pinpoint our errors but to mold us into becoming more
responsible." He added that the surveillance could also curb office politics
and sexual harassment.</P><P><I>Source: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/06/11/asia/AS-ODD-Malaysia-Spying-on-Staff.php</I>
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