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?
At the same time, the workers, especially in the public sector are shouldering
the heavy responsibility of having to step up the quality of service in line
with the wish of the administration under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah
Ahmad Badawi who often stressed on the need to produce quality human capital
with knowledge and competitive edge in line with the country’s need and global
demand.</p>
<p>In the private sector, where the workers generally obtained a higher income
compared to the public sector, there is also a need for them to increase productivity
and the quality of goods and services they offer, as only the best tend to survive
in their strongly competitive world.</p>
<p>Cuepacs president Omar Osman said the workers’ biggest hope is for the government
to announce that there would be a pay review after a lapse of 15 years.</p>
<p>"We are waiting (for the announcement)… we hope it will come any time
during the month-long celebration," he told Bernama.</p>
<p>He said that if the government agreed to the proposal to pay between five and
40 percent more, it would inject a new spirit among the workers.</p>
<p>Omar said Cuepacs was aware of the government’s and people’s trust in the public
and private sector workers to develop their integrity and moral values, be free
from graft and develop their competitive edge and productivity.</p>
<p>"Although we are facing many challenges, we are determined to fulfill
this trust and to strive to realise the government’s aspirations."</p>
<p>Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) president Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud said
the standard of living of workers in this country leaves much to be desired,
especially in terms of pay and other perks.</p>
<p>He said the government should take necessary measures to improve the quality
and living standard of the workers in view of the emphasis to achieve the advanced
nation status by 2020.</p>
<p>Attaining the developed nation status would be meaningless if the workers’
living standard remained unchanged, he said.</p>
<p>– BERNAMA</p>
<p><i>Source: http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=259589</i>
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