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?
KUALA LUMPUR: Local youth who take up work at the wholesale market in Selayang should be provided with insurance and medical coverage, the Malaysian Trades Union Congress said today.
MTUC president Abdul Halim Mansor commended the government’s efforts to encourage local youth to work in the wholesale market to reduce dependence on foreign workers.
“However, before offering them a lucrative salary, make sure employers can provide insurance and medical coverage because of the heavy workload and relatively high risk there in unloading and driving trucks.
They must be protected according to the laws on employment, social security and occupational safety and health.
On Wednesday, Federal Territories Minister Annuar Musa had proposed that local youth be offered jobs at the market with a salary of up to RM2,400 a month, as foreigners are not allowed to work there any more.
Abdul Halim said government agencies must brief the employers about legal requirements before hiring local workers on a large scale.
The president of the Kuala Lumpur Vegetable Wholesalers Association, Wong Keng Fatt, said foreigners were no longer allowed to work at daily markets and the wholesale market.
About 1,000 workers were needed to fill the vacancies.
“The current wage rate is between RM100 and RM120 a day, for three days a week, for eight hours a day from 10 am to 6 pm.
“Our main problem now is that many local workers do not last long. Many came for interviews and asked for jobs, but after working for about three to four hours there are some who run away,” he said.
Source : https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/…/selayang-market-worker…/
Address: Wisma MTUC,10-5, Jalan USJ 9/5T, 47620 Subang Jaya,Selangor | Tel: 03-80242953 | Fax: 03-80243225 | Email: sgmtuc@gmail.com.com