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 heavy presence of foreigners who have virtually occupied the entire commercial centre in Taman Aman Perdana, have forced the local residents to travel far to buy their daily needs.
Aman Perdana Residents Association chairman A. Maniam said the shops in Aman Perdana had nothing to offer the residents as almost 95% of the shops and offices in the area were occupied by foreigners.
Maniam also said the majority of the shops were operated by foreigners to cater for the needs of their fellow workers.
Consequently, he said, the residents had to travel seven kilometres away to buy their groceries and other provisions.
“The shops here should be catering for our needs; it is disappointing that we have been sidelined in our own township,” he added.
Maniam said residents were also irked that the commercial centre was messy and rubbish dumped indiscriminately.
They are also unhappy that the workers hang their laundry everywhere to dry.
“They hang their wet clothes on the grilles, five-foot ways and even on the road,” said Maniam.
He said Taman Aman Perdana residents had made numerous complaints to the Klang Municipal Council (MPK) but it had not resolved the issue.
He said the residents were furious that the authorities had failed to act on their complaints.
“We do not understand why people are allowed to stay in premises that are meant to be for commercial use,” he said.
Furthermore, he pointed out, the shops and offices were non-conducive for the workers to live in.
He said employers should provide their workers with proper accommodation.
The employers have taken the easy way by turning the shops and office premises into hostels, at our expense,” he added.
Source: The Star
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