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?
“If the floodgates are opened, foreign workers may come in droves, especially
to work in rural sectors. This will displace the locals,” said Human Resources
Minister Datuk Dr Fong Chan Onn.
<p>He added there was a high possibility of foreign workers, especially those
from neighbouring countries such as Indonesia, coming here because they knew
their minimum monthly income would be guaranteed. </p>
<p>Dr Fong said if the MTUC’s minimum wage formula was adopted, it would
have to be extended to all workers, regardless of nationality. </p>
<p>“At the work place, we cannot distinguish between locals and foreigners.
We cannot discriminate or we will get questioned at international forums,”
said Dr Fong after conducting the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ti-Ratana
Welfare Society’s community centre in Batu Caves here. </p>
<p>Dr Fong assured workers the Government was as keen as the MTUC in wanting to
make sure workers, especially those in vulnerable sectors, were not exploited.
</p>
<p>However, the approach taken by the Government would also need to ensure the
country’s wages remained flexible and competitive. </p>
<p>Even without the existence of a minimum wage as per MTUC’s formula, Dr
Fong said workers, such as those in the plantation and manufacturing sectors,
had managed to obtain satisfactory wage packages because the unions were organised
and strong. </p>
<p>Dr Fong added that the minimum wage councils looking into a few vulnerable
sectors would be completing their report in about two weeks. </p>
<p>The councils were directed to compile reports about the work conditions and
wages for workers in sectors where there were no market forces or unions to
determine the wages. </p>
<p>Some of these workers included security guards, and those employed in the agriculture
sector and in clinics. </p>
<p>“If the MTUC feels there are workers being underpaid, we can go in, study
the work conditions and then establish a wage council,” said Dr Fong. </p>
<p>On MTUC’s intention to hold a second round of nationwide picketing next month
to demand for a minimum wage and Cola, Dr Fong said: “We will continue
to engage them in dialogue.” </p>
<p>Earlier, Dr Fong commended the Ti-Ratana society for its dedication in providing
shelter, care, education and love to the underprivileged. </p>
<p>“The best legacy for us will be to give the needy hope and help them make
it in life,” he said. </p>
<p>Ti-Ratana’s community centre in Batu Caves here will house 120 underprivileged
children. Businessman Datuk Siah Teong Boon donated the 0.7ha of land to the
society.</p>
<p><i>Source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/7/25/nation/18393351&sec=nation</i>
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