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?
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s industrial output rose 3.5% in January from a year ago, underpinned by gains especially in the manufacturing sector, which was below Bloomberg’s survey of a 5.3% increase.
The Statistics Department announced yesterday the industrial production index (IPI) was supported a 4.6% increase in manufacturing, mining (1.1%) and electricity (1.1%).
“The manufacturing sector output increased by 4.6% in January 2017 after an expansion of 4.3% recorded in December 2016,” it said.
The department said the major sub-sectors which increased in January 2017 were: electrical and electronics products (6.9%); petroleum, chemical, rubber and plastic Products (2.3%); and food, beverages and tobacco (6.8%).
However, the mining sector output grew at a slower pace of 1.1% in January 2017 after registering a higher growth of 5.8% in December 2016.
The natural gas index increased by 5.3%. However, the crude oil index declined by 2.3%.
The electricity sector output increased slightly by 1.1% in January 2017 after a significant growth of 6.1% in December 2016.
Meanwhile, the sales value of the manufacturing sector in January 2017 recorded RM61.2bil, an increase of 10.7% (RM5.9bil) as compared to RM55.3bil a year ago.
Total employees engaged in the sector was 1,044,346 persons, an increase of 1.4% or 14,193 persons as compared to 1,030,153 persons in January 2016.
Salaries and wages paid increased by 1.5% (RM49.3mil) to record RM3,300.3mil.
Productivity increased by 9.2% to record RM58,580 from a year ago.
Address: Wisma MTUC,10-5, Jalan USJ 9/5T, 47620 Subang Jaya,Selangor | Tel: 03-80242953 | Fax: 03-80243225 | Email: sgmtuc@gmail.com.com