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?
KUCHING, Jan 21 (BERNAMA) — A holistic review on at least 25 different Acts on labour and those relating to human resources will be carried out once Malaysia signs the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement or TPPA.
Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem, as the custodian of these Acts, said a number of these would need to be amended to remain relevant.
He disclosed this at a media conference after officiating at a seminar and presentation of appointment documents to the president and two new chairmen of the Industrial Court, here Thursday.
He said a special parliamentary session on the TPPA would be held on Jan 26 to 27.
“My ministry will offer explanations and clarifications. The session will include debates from both sides of the political divide before the parliament will vote on whether the country should join TPPA or otherwise.
“We are particularly concerned with a number of issues too, such as when a foreigner is allowed to lead an association or organisation in the country, as well as forced labour and child labour, industrial court cases and our social security organisation or SOCSO when we join,” he said.
Meanwhile, touching on the industrial court, Richard said there was a need for the people in Sabah and Sarawak to really acquiant themselves with its roles and functions in order to protect their rights as workers or employers.
He said the government had appointed a chairman each for such court in the two states to reflect its importance in strengtheing the country’s economy.
He said out of 22 such courts in the country today, 15 were based in Kuala Lumpur and two each in Penang and Johor and one each in Perak, Sabah and Sarawak.
A local lawyer Puan Ani anak Solep alias Julia Anne Marie Solep was among those recieving their appointment documents from Richard.
This is the first time that appointees to such court had ever formally received such appointment documents, according to Richard.
Source: Bernama
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