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 in the Government formulating policies that are not
acceptable to the workers,” MTUC president Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud said
following a meeting with state MTUC leaders here yesterday.
<p>He said matters that could be discussed included the national economy, competitiveness,
productivity and flexibility. </p>
<p>Another issue that could be deliberated on was the MTUC’s longstanding
proposal for a minimum wage of RM900 as well as extending the retirement age,
which was now 55 years. </p>
<p>Syed Shahir noted that the retirement age in the Philippines and Indonesia
was now 60. </p>
<p>Noting that the life expectancy in Malaysia was 71 years for men and 75 for
women, he said it was only logical to extend the retirement age. </p>
<p>Syed Shahir said the adoption of a minimum wage could also stem the flow of
Sabah youths heading to the peninsula and Singapore in search of jobs. </p>
<p>He said the average monthly income for many unskilled workers in Sabah was
about RM500 despite the high cost of living. </p>
<p>“If they have to pay RM300 to RM400 a month for food, what is left for
other expenses such as housing. And yet in the east coast of the state, there
are people who are prepared to work for RM10 a day,” he said, referring
to the average income of migrant workers in plantations. </p>
<p>“If you expect our school leavers to head to Tawau or Semporna to work
for RM15 a day, I don’t think this will ever happen,” Syed Shahir
added.
Address: Wisma MTUC,10-5, Jalan USJ 9/5T, 47620 Subang Jaya,Selangor | Tel: 03-80242953 | Fax: 03-80243225 | Email: sgmtuc@gmail.com.com