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?
Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr Fong Chan Onn said workers earning RM3,000
and below were now eligible for pension and medical benefits since amendments
to the Socso Act came into effect on May 1.
<p>"I hope employers will co-operate with us and give us their updated list.
Otherwise, they may be liable for penalties under various provisions in the
Act.</p>
<p>"It is important for us to get the new list, especially of workers earning
between RM2,000 and RM3,000, who have never contributed.</p>
<p>"I’ve also directed Socso to get in touch with the companies involved.
The body is now in the process of sending a circular to the bosses on the matter,"
he said after the weekly Cabinet meeting here yesterday.</p>
<p>Employers, added Dr Fong, could also access Socso’s website at www.perkeso.gov.my
for a copy of the circular.</p>
<p>"Any employer who is still unclear over the new amendments can contact
us. Socso will also be conducting various sessions to explain the amendment
to the bosses," he said.</p>
<p>Under the recent amendment, the number of workers covered by Socso will rise
by another 740,000, leading up to an addition contribution of RM200mil.</p>
<p>There are currently some 10 million Socso members.
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