RESIDENTS in Juru, Nibong Tebal are up in arms against the Penang government’s plans to construct living quarters for foreign workers - mostly from the manufacturing sector in their neighbourhood.
The residents of Taman Cendana today protested against the construction of the 32-storey dormitory although the Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP), has yet to approve the application by the developer - Hunza Group Bhd to construct the CLQ in the area.
The proposed CLQ in Juru comprises 1,440 units on 5.6ha of land with a capacity for 20,000 workers.
The residents said the foreigners may become a social nuisance while parents fear their children may be harassed while they go to and from schools near the CLQ.
When contacted, assemblymen said the matter needs further discourse and they promised to raise it when the state legislative assembly reconvenes for its Budget tabling next week.
Under the International Labour Organisation (ILO), an international standard benchmarked is that foreigners should stay away from their workplaces,
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow told an earlier press conference that all foreign worker dormitory projects in Penang must follow the state’s guidelines including social impact and traffic assessments.
He said the guidelines ensured the projects take into account effects on the surrounding area before local authorities approve them.
“It is a matter of human rights; how can we confine workers within the factory for 24 hours every day?” he said.
Chow pleaded for some rationality to prevail, saying that factories will also need to comply with the ESG (environmental, social and governance) standards. - The Vibes, November 21, 2024.
