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 Sajad Hussein
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 (BERNAMA) — The National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE) today welcomed the Labour Chapter in the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), which involved 12 countries, as it would enhance the worker and trade union rights.
“It is really reassuring that this is the first time a specific labour chapter is being included in a free trade agreement (FTA) as part of TPPA,” NUBE’s General Secretary, J. Solomon, told Bernama here today.
He said Malaysia had so far signed 13 FTAs and they did not have provisions for labour protection.
Solomon said although the TPPA was favourable to workers on paper, the real test would be in its implementation which NUBE was hopeful the Malaysian government would abide by, using the International Labour Organisation’s benchmark.
“We expect amendments of our labour laws to reflect the spirit of the TPPA which would further enhance the worker and trade union rigts in the country,” he said.
Solomon hoped that under the TPPA, Malaysia would have more opportunities in trade which will ultimately benefit the people and the onus would be on the government to ensure that workers rights were protected.
Source: Bernama
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