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?
PUTRAJAYA: Efforts to eradicate unacceptable working conditions in Malaysia are not so easy since some issues involve other countries, said the Deputy Human Resources Minister.
Datuk Seri Ismail Abd Muttalib said labour inspections were key to eliminating worker issues, but there were big challenges ahead.
“Labour inspection has become increasingly complex due to exploitation issues, which transcend country borders.
“Effective collaboration is the best channel to prevent and eradicate all unacceptable forms of work, which are a gross violation of fundamental human rights,” he said at the sixth Asean Labour Inspection Conference yesterday.
Ismail said the ministry strove to ensure its labour inspectors were fully equipped to face the daunting task ahead, by increasing their capacity building and awareness.
“Labour inspectorates play a critical role in protecting workers from unacceptable forms of work by monitoring and enforcing compliance to the provisions of labour laws and standards.
“They will also guide workers and employers to improve employment and working conditions, by identifying loopholes and gaps in the system,” he said.
He highlighted some of the ministry’s policies that were implemented to protect workers, including expansion of the employment injury and invalidity scheme, national minimum wage and reviews of labour laws.
“Labour inspection in Malaysia is done in a cohesive manner, through the 1Visit Policy Programme.
“It is a collaboration between enforcement departments and agencies under the ministry, and its effectiveness was proven when 98% of employers complied with Minimum Wage Order 2016,” he added.
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/11/29/labour-inspections-key-to-ending-issues/
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