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?
Checks on 1,217 employers found that a quarter are flouting regulations concerning
working hours, rest days and service contracts.
<p>The amendments to the Sabah Labour Ordinance came into effect on Oct 1 last
year.</p>
<p>The senior assistant director of the Sabah Manpower Department’s division
here said his office had received more than 200 complaints from workers since
the changes were introduced.</p>
<p>"It’s a question of awareness. Some employers are still ignorant
that the ordinance has been amended and that they have to provide certain benefits
for their workers," Tengku Kamazeri Tengku Ismail told employers attending
a talk on the amended ordinance.</p>
<p>He also advised employers to issue payslips to their workers as this would
be made mandatory soon.</p>
<p>Tengku Kamazeri went on to explain about minimum wage, leave days and benefits
for employees who earn less than RM2,500 a month.</p>
<p>Private sector workers in Sabah fall under the Sabah Labour Ordinance.</p>
<p>The Employment Act used in the peninsula is not applicable in Sabah and Sarawak
as the two states have control over labour matters.
Address: Wisma MTUC,10-5, Jalan USJ 9/5T, 47620 Subang Jaya,Selangor | Tel: 03-80242953 | Fax: 03-80243225 | Email: sgmtuc@gmail.com.com