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?
He said the Government did not want certain quarters to think that only foreign workers were being dealt with under the law, while employers were not being punished or no action was being taken against them.
<p>“That (action against employers) requires immediate attention. Even under
the existing laws, we do not see immediate action taken against employers who
break the law. </p>
<p>“The public, foreign governments and foreign workers will think that we
are only punishing foreign labourers or workers as opposed to employers who
abuse the law,” he told reporters after the opening ceremony of the 10th
Asia Pacific Responsible Care Conference and 35th Asean Chemical Industries
Council Conference here Tuesday. He said the Economic Planning Unit would look
at the recommended level in terms of sectoral demand for foreign workers. </p>
<p>Asked if foreign companies would be scared away from setting up business in
Malaysia with the introduction of such an Act, he said: “Why should you
be scared away? As long as you observe the law, you shouldn’t be afraid.”
</p>
<p>Deputy Home Affairs Minister Datuk Tan Chai Ho said on Monday that tougher
measures, which included a new Act, would be introduced to reduce dependency
on foreign workers and curb the influx of illegal immigrants. </p>
<p><i>Source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/11/13/nation/20071113160433&sec=nation</i>
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