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?
Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said Wednesday that workers, both local
and foreign, were required to obtain the proper accreditation from CIDB if they
wanted to be categorised as skilled workers and earn a better income.
<p>"Workers and contractors must follow this regulation and get the accreditation
from CIDB. If they fail, action can be taken under the Regulation for Registration
of Contractors Act 1995," he told reporters after launching the International
Construction Week 2006 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) here.</p>
<p>He said that since the deadline for accreditation application had passed and
only 4,000 workers had applied up to July, CIDB enforcement officers would now
enforce the law.</p>
<p>Samy Vellu said the skilled workers needed to be classified because there were
many unskilled workers employed in the construction industry.</p>
<p>"Many do not produce good work. We only want skilled workers hired in
the industry to ensure quality work is maintained.</p>
<p>"If Malaysia wants to achieve a developed nation status, then we must
prove to the world that we are able to produce quality work," he added.</p>
<p>Workers in 12 skill categories including carpenters, bricklayers, barbenders,
painters and plasterers are required to register with CIDB. Those who are not
accredited would be classified as general workers and paid a lower salary.</p>
<p>Workers would be evaluated in a day at the Construction Academy and given the
necessary certification, he said.</p>
<p>On another issue, Samy Vellu said Gerbang Perdana had submitted the final documents
requested by the ministry and its officers would take about a month to study
them after which the Public Works Department would decide on the quantum and
submit a report to the cabinet.</p>
<p>Last July, Gerbang Perdana, the contractor hired to carry out works at the
now cancelled scenic bridge, demanded RM360 million for work done before the
government decided to halt the mega project.</p>
<p>Its initial claim was only RM100 million. — BERNAMA
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