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?
Suhakam commissioner N Siva Subramaniam said today that the uncaring attitude
of employers has reflected badly on the Malaysian government.
<p>There are now cases when legally employed migrant workers become illegal immigrants
because unscrupulous employers would confiscate their documents and personal
effects.</p>
<p>Documents such as passport, identity card, letter of approval from both countries
and personal belongings such as mobile phone were confiscated.</p>
<p>“Thus, legally ‘documented’ immigrant workers became ‘undocumented’,"
said Subramaniam, adding that some employers also forced these workers to work
for them and in the process, treat them like slaves.</p>
<p>Employers are able to do this because of the weaknesses in policy implementation
of working permits for these foreign workers.</p>
<p>"Permits only enable them to work for one employer resulting in them being
bonded with the employer,” he told a press conference at Suhakam headquarters
this morning.</p>
<p><b>Stern action</b></p>
<p>Subramaniam quoted the case of a Sri Lankan immigrant worker, Elaya Thambia
Mohammed 26, who previously worked as a cleaner.</p>
<p>He said that Elaya’s employer refused to pay him wages and was only given allowance
during festive seasons such as Hari Raya and Deepavali. His documents were also
taken away from him.</p>
<p>He said that the worker then lodged a police report at Sentul police station
on Nov 18. He is currently staying in a mosque at Jalan Masjid India.</p>
<p>The Suhakam commissioner urged the government to consider the plight of these
workers seriously as it has reached a critical level in the country.</p>
<p>“Stern action must be taken by the related government agencies to prevent
the situation from worsening,” he said.</p>
<p>On the batch of students who could not continue their studies at the Damai
Service Hospital Nursing School which was operating without the Health Ministry
approval, Subra announced that eight of them will continue their studies in
Hospital Fatimah, Ipoh.</p>
<p>“However, seven students are still on the waiting list on where they will
be relocated,” he added.
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