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?
Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) referring to a media report quoted by the Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan recommended that the government encourages those in the low-income group to work two jobs, as it is one way to cope with the rising cost of living. Datuk Ahmad Maslan also said that holding down two jobs was not uncommon as it was done by many around the world.
MTUC strongly of the view that such recommendation is not a constructive idea to bring up. Instead MTUC wants the government to rethink approaches and formulate effective strategies to ensure that every worker regardless of private or public sector, have sufficient income to support themselves and their families.
Notwithstanding the reasons given by Datuk Ahmad Maslan, MTUC view that research shows having two jobs will lead to negative impact in terms of health and productivity of the workers. They won’t have quality time with their family, and if this happen, we worry that more social problem will be occurred in a long-run. If the government continues to promote the two jobs scheme, it will affect the overall productivity of the organization they working for, and the nation at large.
Similar idea was brought few years ago. Thus, the MTUC urged government to withdraw such recommendation and should discourage citizens of this country from holding down two jobs. We hope that the employers’ organization will also say no to this kind of recommendation.
MTUC would bring this matter to the attention of the Ministry of Human Resources and the Prime Minister in the near future to find ways to increase wages of workers in this country.
Regards,
N. Gopal Krishnam
Secretary General
Tel: + 6 019 317 4717
Email: gopalkishnam@gmail.com
Address: Wisma MTUC,10-5, Jalan USJ 9/5T, 47620 Subang Jaya,Selangor | Tel: 03-80242953 | Fax: 03-80243225 | Email: sgmtuc@gmail.com.com