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?
Acknowledging that many such cases were pending in the courts, he said the government wanted these cases to be resolved quickly.
<p>"Many cases are with the courts. The employers have engaged brilliant lawyers. There is some delay.</p>
<p>"The Malaysian authorities want the employers who have committed offences
to be penalised quickly," he told a group of Indonesian journalists after
launching the CIMB Foundation, here.</p>
<p>These journalists, who had been brought in by the CIMB Group specially for
the launch of the foundation, took the opportunity of the occasion to ask Najib
about the welfare of foreign workers, especially Indonesians, in Malaysia.</p>
<p>Replying to another question, Najib said that after a study of the existing
laws pertaining to foreign workers in the country, Malaysia decided to introduce
new regulations to ensure a better and an orderly recruitment of foreign workers.</p>
<p>The new laws would provide for punishment of both erring employers and foreign
workers, he said.</p>
<p>On Monday, Deputy Home Affairs Minister Datuk Tan Chai Ho said the government
was drafting tougher laws to reduce dependency on foreign workers and curb the
influx of illegal immigrants.</p>
<p>– BERNAMA</p>
<p><i>Source: http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=296714</i>
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