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 social security organisation will now compensate workers for depression
and stress-related ailments at the workplace.
<p>The traumatic incidents that can lead to mental and psychological disorders
include various acts of violence, sexual harassment, serious job accidents and
sudden death of an employee. </p>
<p>About 1,500 government doctors nationwide have been trained to assess workers
with such conditions. </p>
<p>They have also been given the latest guidelines, known as the Impairment and
Disability Assessment of Traumatic Injuries, Occupational Diseases and Invalidity
(second edition), on how to assess such disorders. </p>
<p>Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr Fong Chan Onn said mental and psychological
disorders were either under-reported or not properly assessed. </p>
<p>He said the guidelines gave protection to workers suffering from cancer, skin
diseases and other occupational diseases. </p>
<p>“Now doctors can make objective assessments and recommend the right amount
of compensation to patients under our expanded and improved guidelines,”
he said. </p>
<p>He said the inclusion of additional occupational diseases and mental and psychological
disorders was part of Socso’s comprehensive coverage plan to better protect
workers. </p>
<p>Under the guidelines, those suffering from moderate to severe mental and behavioural
impairments related to on-site accidents would be recommended for compensation.
</p>
<p>In extreme cases, doctors have to visit the insured person’s home or workplace
to further assess cases of psychological and occupational functioning impairment.
</p>
<p>Some of the serious symptoms of those suffering from suspected psychological
impairment include having suicidal tendencies, severe obsession with certain
rituals, depression, frequently becoming violent and displaying manic excitement.
</p>
<p>The guideline, drafted by Socso’s Medical and Rehabilitation manager Dr
Mohammed Azman Azizi Mohammed and medical experts, would also address the inconsistencies
in awarding compensation. </p>
<p>In the past, there have been claims that compensation awarded to injured workers
differed though they had the same type of injury or condition.
Address: Wisma MTUC,10-5, Jalan USJ 9/5T, 47620 Subang Jaya,Selangor | Tel: 03-80242953 | Fax: 03-80243225 | Email: sgmtuc@gmail.com.com