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?
BY ASHLEY TANG
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) welcomes the government’s decision to stop the recruitment of foreign workers.
“We see this development to be in line with the memorandum submitted by us last month to the Home Ministry and Human Resource Ministry. This decision should be enforced strictly and thoroughly to help reduce reliance and dependence on foreign workers,” said MTUC secretary-general N.Gopal Kishnam in a statement on Monday.
“We hoped the government will not change its stance in the future as we do not want a flip-flop in this issue instead we want the government to formulate a concrete policy on hiring foreign workers,” he added.
He said that though they welcomed the decision, they were disappointed with the suggestion that employers who wanted to hire foreign workers to submit their applications to them, the Malaysian Employers Federation and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers.
“It was the Home Ministry who was responsible for a proposal that would flooding the country with foreign workers. What was mentioned by us is in the interest of the people, workers and the country,” he added.
The MTUC also urged the government to simplify the rehiring process and the fee involved in rehiring so that employers who are looking for additional workers and the undocumented workers can come forward.
“We are willing to discuss with the Home Ministry or any other parties to find a solution to this issue.”
MTUC urged employers to find alternative ways so as not to rely on foreign workers.
“We should stop relying on foreign workers in the long run. We need a solid labour policy for Malaysia.” he said.
Source: The Star Online
Address: Wisma MTUC,10-5, Jalan USJ 9/5T, 47620 Subang Jaya,Selangor | Tel: 03-80242953 | Fax: 03-80243225 | Email: sgmtuc@gmail.com.com