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?
“If you give little tax relief to corporations, they might feel it is
too little to expand their businesses.”
<p>He said that while MTUC welcomed the emphasis on training for professionals,
there were no allocations for improving labour skills. </p>
<p>“We talk about human capital but what about incentives for unskilled workers
who want to learn new skills?” he said, adding that if nothing was done
for them they might remain in the same status for the next 10 to 15 years. </p>
<p>While he appreciated the attention given to agriculture, Syed Sharir said nothing
was mentioned of workers. </p>
<p>Many plantation workers were earning less than RM325 a month and the Government
should introduce a sufficient wage level for these workers, he said. </p>
<p>There was also no safety net for workers who were affected by inflation or
retrenchment, he said. </p>
<p>He added that the Government must come up with a comprehensive childcare programme
to support workers. </p>
<p>MTUC deputy president Mohamad Shafie B.P. Mammal said the body had hoped that
the Prime Minister would have asked or persuaded the private sector to consider
giving employees a cost of living allowance. </p>
<p>MTUC secretary-general G. Rajasekaran said it was encouraging to hear that
the Government wanted to make it easier for the unemployed to find jobs by having
job kiosks placed in strategic places like LRT stations, shopping complexes
and post offices. </p>
<p>“Retrenched workers too can go there and register themselves.” </p>
<p>Rajasekaran lauded the measures taken to check crime, which had become a matter
of public concern. He also said the RM10bil healthcare plan, abolishment of
examination fees and allocation for better public transport would benefit the
people. </p>
<p>“I am disappointed though that the Prime Minister, in announcing the bonus
for government servants, did not urge the private sector to follow the example.”
</p>
<p>Government doctors, meanwhile, hailed the bonus decision, saying the extra
cash would come in useful for impending festivities. </p>
<p>“Sometimes, it’s perks like this that help doctors remain in government
service,” said Section Concerning House Officers, Medical Officers and
Specialists national chairman Dr Vasan Sreenivasan. </p>
<p>The Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry also welcomed
the Budget as one with some nice touches. Its president, Pardip Kumar, said
it was relatively painless and would be easy to implement.
Address: Wisma MTUC,10-5, Jalan USJ 9/5T, 47620 Subang Jaya,Selangor | Tel: 03-80242953 | Fax: 03-80243225 | Email: sgmtuc@gmail.com.com