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?
Those from India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are required to have
the document from April 1.
<p>After attending a half-day induction course on Malaysian law and culture, foreign
workers must sit a test. If they pass, they will receive the certificate.</p>
<p>Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn said: "The course,
which will start in Indonesia from Nov 15, is aimed at familiarising foreign
workers with Malaysian law and culture to minimise problems such as conflicts
with employers."</p>
<p>The workers are also taught simple Bahasa Malaysia.</p>
<p>The course outlines the labour law, health and safety procedures and where
foreign workers can seek help if they are mistreated or abused.</p>
<p>Sixty-five per cent of the 1.8 million foreigners working legally in Malaysia
are Indonesians.</p>
<p>There are also between 300,000 and 500,000 illegal foreign workers, the majority
of whom are Indonesians.</p>
<p>Fong said his officers had met with government officials in Jakarta and all
parties agreed to start the induction course.</p>
<p>He denied a recent report in the Jakarta Post newspaper that Indonesian workers
were mistreated here.
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