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?
Md Shariful Islam is now seeking a greener pasture in Malaysia working as a
kitchen helper and cleaner in a fastfood outlet. The 23-year-old, the second
of three siblings, wants to earn as much as he can to help his family.
<p>“Although I am sad to leave my family, I am willing to sacrifi ce for
their future,” he told Weekend Mail a day before leaving his hometown for
Kuala Lumpur. “I am confi dent I will be able to adapt to the country and
the people.” Fahad Ahmed is also looking for better job prospects in Malaysia.</p>
<p>“I am not sad to leave my family, in fact I am happy to go as my family
needs the money,” said the 22-year-old, who plans to buy properties back
home with the money earned in Malaysia.</p>
<p>Shariful and Fahad were among the many young Bangladeshis who boarded a Malaysia
Airlines fl ight on July 29 to Kuala Lumpur, where they have found employment
through United Export Limited, a manpower agency based in Gulshan, here.</p>
<p>More than 50,000 Bangladeshis have been sent to work in various industries
in Malaysia by United Export since the company was set up 15 years ago.</p>
<p>Company operations manager Rasyidi Ramli said workers are sent in batches because
often, there are limited seats. “One must remember, we are not the only
one dealing with manpower in Dhaka.” United Export has appointed 30 local
agents here to help them with the manpower requirements.</p>
<p>“We don’t simply send workers to Malaysia,” Rasyidi said. “Once
the job order comes in, we will inform our agents on the number of workers required.
Then interviews will be conducted. Often the employers will conduct the interviews
themselves.” The workers selected are between the ages of 21 and 35.</p>
<p>“We don’t want those are who are too old as they might fi nd it hard
to do heavy work. We also look at other requirements stipulated by employers
and try our best to get workers who meet their needs.” Rasyidi said the
expectations of the employers vary, and workers would be explained on their
employment contracts to ensure they understand what is expected of them.</p>
<p>“We would have a translator to help explain to them in their Bengali language.”
The workers would come to Malaysia on a three-year contract.</p>
<p>Once in Malaysia, they are attended to by United Export’s parent company,
Unique Eastern Limited.</p>
<p>Unique Eastern general manager of operations, Sunny Goh, said they often look
for those who are able to speak basic English.</p>
<p>Those who have been to Malaysia previously are not preferred, Goh said, as
these people might have their contacts in Malaysia and this could cause problems
to the manpower recruitment agency.</p>
<p>“At the same time, we don’t want them to infl uence the fi rsttimers.”
Once in Malaysia, the workers are brought to the company’s hostel in Sungai
Chua in Bukit Pelanduk, Lukut, Negri Sembilan, for the required documentation
and medical check-up.</p>
<p>They are placed there for at least two weeks for more training, before they
are sent to their respective employers.</p>
<p>“We are working towards a one-stop centre, which includes hostel and training
centre, to teach and train the workers on basics like language, work, grooming
and work ethics,” said Goh.</p>
<p>“We will have special trainers for them. The workers will also be given
talks on safety in accordance with the National Institute of Occupational Safety
and Health or Niosh.” Goh said work on the centre, which will have a clinic,
canteen cum restaurant, laundry and mini market, is scheduled to complete at
the end of this month.</p>
<p>Goh acknowledged there have been complaints against some workers, but such
cases are not too rampant.</p>
<p>“The most common complaint is that they are too slow, unable to speak
English or homesick. We would provide counseling and help them to get back on
track,” he said.</p>
<p>“If a worker runs away, we will speak to his friends to fi nd out the
reason or where he has gone before making a police report.” Goh said because
of the company’s clean record, it has established a good working relationship
with the Bangladeshi government.</p>
<p><i>Source: http://www.mmail.com.my/Current_News/mm/Weekend/Feature/20070819100756/Article/index_html</i>
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