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 incident, involving some 60 Indian nationals camping outside the Indian
High Commission at Jalan Duta in Kuala Lumpur occurred last night. According
to eyewitnesses’ accounts, indiscriminate violence was used on the victims.</p>
<p>MTUC Secretary-General G Rajasekaran when contacted today said that he had
met Indian Deputy High Commissioner Nagendra Saxena and several of the victims.</p>
<p>The group, which arrived in Malaysia two months ago, claims their employment
agency and employers from four companies had violated the terms of their contracts.
They then sought the help of the High Commission for redress.</p>
<p>According to Rajasekaran, the Indian nationals were not given their salaries
for their first month’s work and subsequently were not given any work at
all.</p>
<p>“Instead of the Labour Department intervening and resolving their problems,
Rela came in and hauled them to the Lenggeng Detention Camp even though they
have valid work permits,” said Rajasekaran.</p>
<p>He said MTUC would be lodging formal complaints with the Home Affairs Ministry
which issued the permits of the Indian workers.</p>
<p><b>Blacklist errant employers</b></p>
<p>Asked if he saw any victims who were hurt during the alleged beatings by Rela,
Rajasekaran said one individual suffered shattered bones on his arms.</p>
<p>“He claims he fell after he was chased (by Rela officers) and later beaten
when on the ground,” said the trade unionist.</p>
<p>Rajasekaran called on the Immigration Department to investigate and blacklist
employers found to be flaunting the law and mistreating their foreign workers.</p>
<p>“The should be banned from recruiting any foreign worker. The department
should also find ways to allow such workers to be legally employed by other
companies,” he said, adding that merely detaining and deporting workers
was the easy way out.</p>
<p>This morning, when speaking to reporters who gathered at the High Commission,
Nagendra said the Commission will be lodging complaints with the relevant authorities
over the fracas last night.
Address: Wisma MTUC,10-5, Jalan USJ 9/5T, 47620 Subang Jaya,Selangor | Tel: 03-80242953 | Fax: 03-80243225 | Email: sgmtuc@gmail.com.com