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?
PUTRAJAYA: The Government will review its guidelines for hiring foreign workers to curb rampant abuse and improve work conditions that include better insurance packages, medical coverage, housing and pay security, Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Tuesday.
“Our (Immigration Department) detention centres are full and there is not enough space (because) there are too many who have abused their social visit pass, student visas or work permits for foreign workers.
“Foreign workers have also cost the Government some RM26mil in unpaid hospital bills,” Ahmad Zahid said in a press conference after attending the ministry’s monthly staff gathering Tuesday.
Chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, the Cabinet Committee on Foreign Workers will also find ways to curb widespread abuse.
Zahid said discussions were being held with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) about their policy for foreign workers. UAE has a 4.6mil-strong foreign workforce that far exceeds its local population.
The employment guidelines review will compare systems being used in other countries, such as the UAE and Singapore, and will cover all countries from where Malaysia has sourced its foreign manpower.
“We have to give them (foreign workers) basic living needs because we don’t want Malaysia to be accused as a country that does not give fair treatment to foreign workers.
“Employers should not victimise foreign workers.
“Although some of them (foreign workers) may be involved in adverse activities, some of them assist in our economic growth and so we would like to see (a thorough study) from all angles (including) legal, humanitarian as well as their welfare,” he said.
Earlier at the staff assembly, Ahmad Zahid urged the ministry to take on a “roh baru” (new spirit) to strengthen its agencies’ bite in enforcement.
“Before this, the ministry was feared but received little respect from the community.
“We need to renew ourselves as we execute the law without abuse of power ore compromise so that our ministry will no longer be ridiculed,” Ahmad Zahid said to hundreds of staff member who had gathered at the assembly.
Source: The Star Online
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