LETTER | Bangladeshi workers in limbo: Urgent call for govt action

LETTER | In a distressing revelation, a total of 104 Bangladeshi migrant workers have found themselves jobless and exploited in Cheras since their arrival last November, as reported by labour rights activist Andy Hall.

These individuals were promised high-paying jobs and decent facilities, and paid exorbitant recruitment fees of up to RM21,700, only to face dire conditions and maltreatment.

Hall's report uncovers a grim reality where some workers were forced into debt bondage after borrowing money to cover recruitment fees. Hired by a construction company in Cheras, these labourers are crammed into confined spaces with inadequate facilities, including just one toilet for over 100 workers.

The appalling conditions extend to their diet, consisting mainly of rice, lentils, and mashed potatoes. Shockingly, some workers claimed they went without food for up to four days after inquiring about their job situation. Adding to the injustice, passports were confiscated upon arrival, leaving the labourers vulnerable to further exploitation.

There is a need for a more proactive stance by the relevant ministries to combat exploitative employers and agents facilitating the recruitment of migrant workers. This includes enforcing existing laws, such as Section 12(1)(f) of the Passports Act 1966, which explicitly prohibits employers from confiscating passports except for specific reasons like visa renewal.

Recent amendments to Malaysia's Employment Act, effective since January 2023, require employers to seek approval from the Labour Department director-general before hiring foreign employees. These changes aim to ensure the employer's integrity, addressing concerns related to human trafficking, forced labour, and compliance with employment standards.

The disturbing case in Cheras highlights the urgency of implementing and enforcing these regulations rigorously. Companies must adhere to new requirements, and the government must actively penalise non-compliance with fines up to RM100,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both.

As Malaysia takes strides in fortifying regulations, the government must take swift and proactive actions against exploitative employers. The newfound requirements should not merely be paperwork; they must serve as a shield, protecting vulnerable migrant workers from unscrupulous practices.

In conclusion, a plea is made for a more progressive and proactive government stance towards eradicating exploitative employers. The hope is that these measures will not only be words on paper but a robust defence against the exploitation of migrant workers in Malaysia.

SHAHRIZAL MIZANI is the director of the “Workers Unmuted” community project, striving to advocate for and educate about workers’ rights in Malaysia.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.