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 are expensive, but their service is excellent. We only hire ex-army
and ex-police personnel. They are all trained in using arms, although the labour
law here does not allow them to carry weapons,” Bahadur says.
<p>The screening process is tough and guards are selected after thorough vetting.
Advertisements are first placed in the Nepalese newspapers and these would attract
hundreds of applicants from all over the country to converge in designated interview
sites in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital. </p>
<p>Some walk for miles from their homes, braving the harsh weather, to secure
a job. </p>
<p>Says Bahadur: “Our agents over there shortlist the candidates, then my
colleague and I fly in to do the interviews. We also make it mandatory for them
to converse in English. Some will beg and plead for jobs but we only accept
the best.” </p>
<p>Once the guards arrive in Malaysia, they are given two weeks’ training
on how to adapt to local culture, how to use fire extinguishers, first aid etc.
Thereafter, the authorities require they undergo a four-day physical training
camp at a site approved by the Home Affairs Ministry. </p>
<p>The guards are provided uniforms, shoes, transportation to their workplace
and accommodation (usually a hostel) with basic amenities like gas, stove and
fridge. However, they have to buy their own groceries, utensils and toiletries.
</p>
<p>Secure Guards was established by a Malaysian Gurkha family in 1981 and provides
armed and static guarding services to commercial establishments in the country.
Presently, the company has 284 Gurkha guards employed throughout Malaysia. </p>
<p>“Most of our clients prefer Gurkhas as they are more committed and are
easier to work with. The demand is there for Gurkha guards, but we have to abide
by the quota set by the government,” says the 50-something Bahadur. </p>
<p>Each security company is given an allocation of migrant workers they may employ,
and Secure Guards’ quota stands at 130. Their clients usually ask to interview
the guards first. </p>
<p>Due to the rising cost of living, the Nepalese Embassy in Malaysia has set
a minimum wage for Nepalese workers. For security guards, the minimum monthly
salary (i.e. 26 days of work at eight hours a day) including overtime is RM1,400,
whereas for the general sector (manufacturing, services and farm workers), the
wage is around RM746, inclusive of overtime. </p>
<p>There are around 200,000 Nepalese workers in Malaysia today, although the breakdown
by sector is not available. </p>
<p>After three years, Bahadur explains, the guards are given a month’s leave
and a free return air ticket. They are allowed to renew their contract for another
two years and then they must go home for at least six months before they can
re-enter Malaysia. </p>
<p>“Life is hard for them but it is harder in their home country. Which would
you choose?” asks Bahadur. – <b>By REVATHI MURUGAPPAN</b></p>
<p><i>Source: http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2007/6/23/lifefocus/18108423&sec=lifefocus</i>
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