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?
RESIDENTS of Prestige V in Batu Maung, Penang, are unhappy that some of the houses in their neighbourhood are allegedly being used as hostels for foreign workers.
Five residents, said to be speaking on behalf of the others, claimed that about 25 of the 81 houses at the new residential area in Lorong Bidara had been turned into hostels over the past six months.
A resident who declined to be named said the residents were afraid for their safety and security.
He said he had lodged three police reports about a break-in and attempted break-ins from December last year to recently.
“Most of the families here have young children and they are afraid to let them play outside. Even the adults do not go for morning walks or jogging anymore,” he told reporters when met at the residential area yesterday.
He alleged that the foreigners did not take care of the cleanliness of their surrounding areas and usually dumped their rubbish outside their premises, which could become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and pests.
“Most of the unit owners started moving in at the beginning of this year, but there are several others who are still considering moving in after looking at the big group of foreign nationals staying here,” he said.
Penang Municipal councillor Chris Lee Chun Kit, who visited the housing area, said he received a number of complaints from the residents staying there regarding the issue.
“We will highlight this issue to the council and will propose for a small committee to be set up to investigate the matter,” said Lee.
He added that the council would also investigate whether the owners of the units which were rented out to the foreigners had breached any by-laws.
“We are looking into the matter and hope we can come out with a suitable solution for the residents here while also providing proper shelter to the migrants,” he said.
Source: The Star
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