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?
The employers claimed their workers, who were carrying identification cards
issued by the Immigration Department, were detained at the Rela operations centre
until they turned up with the workers’ passports.
<p>Printing plant owner Gan Hwa Kok said he had to go to the Rawang police station
after four of his employees – two Nepalese and two Bangladeshis –
were detained in the Rela operation on Saturday. </p>
<p>“They were carrying their cards, which should have been recognised. But
the Rela team caught them and told us to go to the police if we want to clear
the problem,” he said, adding that he had lodged a police report over the
matter. </p>
<p>At least three other companies also complained to the police over the treatment
of their workers. </p>
<p>Rawang police claimed they were not informed of the Rela operation and only
knew about it when they received complaints from business operators at about
8pm on Saturday. </p>
<p>“So far, going by the documents produced at the police station, the foreign
workers are all legal,” said a police spokesperson. </p>
<p>Rela director-general Datuk Zaidon Asmuni, however, denied the allegations
and said those arrested did not have relevant documents with them. </p>
<p>“A total 113 of the 671 people checked did not have any documents and
were arrested and taken to the immigration depot in Lenggeng.” </p>
<p>Zaidon added that the accusations were probably made by employers who had an
“axe to grind” with Rela. </p>
<p>“Our officers will not simply arrest anybody with proper documents. It’s
a waste of time and manpower,” he said. </p>
<p>Zaidon, however, confirmed that the operations were done without the knowledge
of the police or the Immigration Department. </p>
<p>“Under an amendment to the law in 2005, Rela can conduct operations without
consulting the police or immigration, and enter buildings as well as conduct
checks on foreigners even without a warrant.”
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