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 fate of more than 200,000 Malaysian workers who work in Singapore and repeatedly to the republic are now uncertain following the government’s steps to continue the movement of movement control (Pkp) until this 14 April.
Despite a number of employers in Singapore taking the initiative to allow workers to work from home at the moment, many malaysians think they may lose their jobs since the strict conditions imposed by both countries in the efforts of curb contagion outbreak of covid-19.
Average expecting both countries to have further discussion to help malaysians who are ‘stranded’ in Singapore since the implementation of pkp on 18 March.
Hope includes discussion to find the best way to make sure those in Singapore can go over to Malaysia as usual.
” honestly, it’s sad because I’ve been here for a long time but I have to be strong. I’m just focused on continuing to serve the employer but, at the same time, still hoping the situation is back as it used to be,” said teh zu wei, 25, when called bernama.
” if possible I hope the government (Singapore and Malaysia) can talk and help us to return home (in Johor Bahru) as soon as possible,” says tea, who chose not to return to Malaysia before because just got a job in the republic .
According to him, he is only two months working as a nurse in a hospital and as a front line officer, his is needed to help the patient.
” but what’s wrong, my emotions are sometimes disturbed… how can we go home?” because the one who lives alone in the Republic.
Muhammad Hafiz Rusdi, 32, also hopes that both countries can hold a comprehensive negotiation and not just about the steps to let malaysians go over to Singapore and vice versa.
” if that (space proposal) has no consent from the Singapore, we hope the Malaysian government can give help in terms of residence and food.
Who will help?
” we really want to go back to Malaysia and with each other’s family but what will happen to us and family if we go home?
” Who will help if we are distress (no job)?” Because the one who has been working two years as a warehouse maid in the republic.
Muhammad Hafiz also does not know the fate that will be through even when the employer provides accommodation for him.
” the employer also gives some extra money for survival in Singapore.
” however, after the Malaysian government continues the pkp for 14 days, the company has not done any decision whether Malaysian workers will continue to be given a place to live or otherwise,” says the young man.
Mohd Hazrien Zainal is lucky as the employer provides a living and dining money in Singapore during the pkp period.
The 28-Year-old father, who served as a nurse in a private hospital, says however for now, the company has not given any follow-up information of extension pkp.
” company provides hotel and $ 20 dollars meal money daily. I will also make a video call to my child and wife because I miss them,” he said.
On Wednesday, prime minister muhyiddin yassin announced the pkp that started last March 18 and should have ended on 31 March, extended for two weeks until 14 April for stem contagion infection Covid-19.
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