GEORGE TOWN – The Penang Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) has urged the Human Resources Ministry to create a migrant workers’ affairs division to mitigate the growing number of issues related to them – estimated at over two million in the country.
In a statement, today, Penang MTUC secretary K. Veeriah said the division should handle millions of migrant workers, documented or otherwise, who are keeping the country’s economy in motion, as local workers begin to shun traditional jobs.
Veeriah said although the workers are helping the nation’s economy, the country unfortunately is constantly reminded of the unfair treatment from the vulnerable section of migrant workers.
“There are allegations of forced labour with some local companies censured internationally for tolerating such practises.
“Such issues need to be, comprehensively, addressed. We are yet to establish a specialised platform to address the grievances and concerns of the migrant workers.”
Penang MTUC, therefore, calls upon Human Resources minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan to establish a “Migrant Workers’ Affairs” division to deal with all issues of migrant workers.
Such a specialised sub-division, he said, would serve as the point of reference in all matters affecting migrant workers.
“The division can also ease the workload of the Labour Department.
“We also take the liberty to suggest that the division be empowered to receive, investigate, and prosecute delinquent employers in non-compliance with the International Labour Organisation’s forced labour indicators and the Workers’ Minimum Standard of Housing and Amenities.
“Saravanan can take the initiative to do so in the overwhelming interest of the millions of migrant workers who are, immensely, contributing to the economy,” he added. – The Vibes, December 22, 2021
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