GEORGE TOWN – The proposed centralised labour quarters (CLQ) in Penang Tech Park for foreign workers, which had met with resistance from locals and Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, was actually designed based on recommendations by the Human Resources Ministry.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow told a press conference that the guidelines were suggested by the labour authorities and internationally affiliated unions to ensure proper living standards.
The CLQ’s development in the new industrial park was also one of the requirements where lodgings must be provided for the workers – foreign or local.
“It is also a policy set by the Human Resources Ministry that needs to be adhered to where employers need to provide shelter for their employees.
“It is also to avoid social problems if foreign workers are placed in the area where locals stay, locals would not like to see a house inhabited by dozens of foreigners, so the construction of a CLQ can overcome this problem,” he said.
Chow added that the CLQ is a privately driven initiative where the state government is only acting as an advisor.
At the same time, the industrial park is backed by the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (Mida) and the Finance Ministry, who are helping prepare an incentive package for investors.
Chow revealed that, even at this early stage, the high-tech facility has already attracted interest from foreign investors.
The 339ha site is located at Jalan Tun Hamdan Sheikh Tahir in Kepala Batas and will cater to semiconductor, medical device and aerospace manufacturers, among others. – The Vibes, June 13, 2022
