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?
Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Bakar said such a move would
only cause many companies in the country to close shop.
<p>"There are about two million foreign workers in this country. If everyone
is given a minimum wage as sought by MTUC many local companies will close.</p>
<p>"For example, it’s not logical to require employers to pay their maids
a minimum wage and Cola when the maids are given food and lodging," he
said in reply to senator Tan Sri Dr Jins Shamsudin.</p>
<p>He said that so far 335 companies had wound up because of high production costs
and wages.</p>
<p>Moreover, not all the developed countries gave minimum wages to their workers,
he said, citing the United States, which paid hourly wages, and Britain and
Australia.</p>
<p>"The government will not fix a minimum wage if it is going to affect the
national economy," he said.</p>
<p>– BERNAMA</p>
<p><i>Source: http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=272586</i>
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