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?
Referring to media report today, February 2, 2016, that employers are objecting the levy hike, Malaysian Trades Unions Congress (MTUC) in a view that this is not the first time such stand had been taken by companies and organisation.
The issue is not about levy hike, but use of foreign workers and over dependent on foreign workers.
MTUC believes and has always emphasized that we should not dependent on foreign workers, and if such policy has been implemented effectively, increase of levy is no longer an issue.
As such, the MTUC once again recommend that employers shouldn’t hire foreign workers, instead they should consider other ways including giving priority to the local.
At the same time, MTUC also urge the government to ensure that the levy is paid by employers of foreign workers rather than the workers themselves.
Once again MTUC wants to urge the employers to stop hiring foreign workers. This will bring benefit for the country at large.
N. GOPAL KISHNAM
SECRETARY GENERAL
Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC)
Address: Wisma MTUC,10-5, Jalan USJ 9/5T, 47620 Subang Jaya,Selangor | Tel: 03-80242953 | Fax: 03-80243225 | Email: sgmtuc@gmail.com.com