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 deputy minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Bakar said eight countries
had been identified for the consulates which will help workers with insurance,
labour rights and legal matters. They include Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam,
India, Britain, United Arab Emirates (Dubai) and Australia.
<p>"Malaysians should not only look for jobs locally but should venture outside,"
Abdul Rahman said after officiating the Kuala Lumpur Career Carnival 2006, organised
by the Federal Territory Labour Department and City Hall yesterday.</p>
<p>There are about 350,000 Malaysian working overseas, 200,000 of them in Singapore.</p>
<p>The consulates will initially be housed in embassies, but later have their
own offices.</p>
<p>The Human Resources Ministry hopes to open the consulates in January, after
getting approval from the Cabinet and Public Service Department.</p>
<p>Abdul Rahman said poor English, communication skills and soft skills were hampering
efforts by many to get jobs.
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