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?
They would get a chance to be rehabilitated through the Social Security Organisation
(Socso) "Return to Work" rehabilitation programme, which was launched
by Dr Fong yesterday.
<p>Socso is partnering with DBC Back to Health (M) Sdn Bhd to provide the workers
rehabilitation, which would be fully borne by Socso.</p>
<p>Dr Fong, said that of the over 9,000 permanently disabled workers, some 30%
had back and cervical injuries.</p>
<p>"Most in this category get these injuries not just in factories but in
offices (as well).</p>
<p>"The aim of the rehabilitation programme is to get workers to resume their
work. The injured worker will also be given motivation and counselling to help
them regain their confidence to work again," he said yesterday.</p>
<p>He said employers should give the injured worker a chance to work again or,
if this was not possible, reassign them to another position.</p>
<p>Socso chief executive officer Dr Soh Chee Seng said they had identified two
situations in which cases may be referred to the centre for rehabilitation.</p>
<p>"Firstly, those who suffer from chronic cervical or back pain and have
been recommended by the Medical Board to undergo rehabilitations.</p>
<p>"Secondly, insured persons who suffer from acute back pain and have been
on medical leave (temporary disablement) for more than three months," he
said.</p>
<p>The workers could seek treatment at two DBC rehabilitation centres – one in
Plaza Ampang, Jalan Tun Razak, for the Klang Valley and the other in 135 D&E,
Jalan Datuk Lao Phak Khuan, Taman Ipoh, Perak.</p>
<p>Dr Fong said the pilot project might be expanded nationally if response was
good.
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