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?
The 130 appointed outsourcing companies or employers engaging more than 50
workers can apply for these workers from today.
<p>The Home Affairs Ministry assured applicants that approval could be obtained
in 24 hours if all requirements were met. But the companies will have to fulfil
these requirements:</p>
<p>• obtain approval from the Human Resources Ministry;</p>
<p>• provide an assurance of proper jobs, health facilities and housing;</p>
<p>• pay each worker RM400 per month for a maximum of three months if a job
is not available or send them home; and,</p>
<p>• post a bank bond of RM500 per worker with the Government besides the
usual levy.</p>
<p>Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad said Malaysia was finalising the
terms of an agreement with Bangladesh that promised a win-win situation for
both Governments.</p>
<p>The companies should also establish a payment system involving identification
by thumbprints to allow the ministry to monitor the movement of workers.</p>
<p>"If anything goes wrong, we will forfeit the RM500 to facilitate the return
of the workers."
Address: Wisma MTUC,10-5, Jalan USJ 9/5T, 47620 Subang Jaya,Selangor | Tel: 03-80242953 | Fax: 03-80243225 | Email: sgmtuc@gmail.com.com