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?
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Fong Chan Onn said yesterday that this
would help efforts to introduce fairer wages.
<p>He said that the ministry would regulate salaries in the lowest-paying sectors
through the establishment of special councils.</p>
<p>Fong said the study would be completed in three months.</p>
<p>About 1.2 million workers currently have their salaries regulated by such councils.</p>
<p>On the move by the Malaysian Trades Union Congress to hold pickets to seek
a minimum wage, he said this was not the way to handle the matter.</p>
<p>Fong said there was no reason for the government and the MTUC to be at loggerheads
as both were concerned about the welfare of workers and their wages.</p>
<p>"We are as concerned about workers’ wages but we must ensure we remain
competitive in the global context as well."</p>
<p>On Tuesday, the MTUC held a picket to demand for a RM900 minimum wage and a
RM300 cost of living allowance for workers in the private sector.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Selangor Men-teri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo said implementation
of a minimum wage in the private sector could affect Selangor’s competitiveness
as a destination for foreign investment.</p>
<p>He said demands from the MTUC for a minimum wage of RM900 must be examined
thoroughly.</p>
<p>"Selangor increasingly has to compete with emerging markets in Indochina,
China and India. A minimum wage may drive up operating costs for businesses
here.</p>
<p>"The move may drive investors to these countries," he said yesterday
after opening the Selangor Industry Week at Stadium Melawati in Shah Alam.</p>
<p><i>Source: http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Sunday/National/20070701083122/Article/index_html</i>
Address: Wisma MTUC,10-5, Jalan USJ 9/5T, 47620 Subang Jaya,Selangor | Tel: 03-80242953 | Fax: 03-80243225 | Email: sgmtuc@gmail.com.com