Malaysia

Misled, confused: empty promise leaves 300 Nepali migrants stranded

Worker claims M’sian authorities now looking to find them jobs within two weeks

Updated 3 years ago · Published on 17 May 2023 7:00AM

Misled, confused: empty promise leaves 300 Nepali migrants stranded
The Nepali workers now stranded in Nilai, Negri Sembilan. One of them, only known as Salim, says that the authorities were informed by the Nepali embassy and are assisting with the situation. – HIMANSHU BHATT/The Vibes pic, May 17, 2023

by Arjun Mohanakrishnan

JOHOR BARU – The fate of 300 Nepali migrants stranded in Nilai, Negri Sembilan remains uncertain after a company reportedly failed to fulfil its promise to provide them jobs. 

However, according to one of the stranded individuals, Salim (not his real name), Malaysian authorities visited the 300 Nepali citizens, saying they would help find jobs for them within two weeks – failing which, authorities will help all individuals return to their home country. 

The individual was unable to specify which government agency attended to the matter. 

According to a Malaysiakini report on May 13, 300 Nepali migrant workers remain stuck in limbo after their employer failed to provide jobs for them as initially promised. 

The report also quoted Negri Sembilan Labour Department Director Roslan Bahari, who said authorities have opened investigations against the recruiting company – Star Domain Resources Sdn Bhd – adding that all 300 Nepalis have had their salaries postponed for the third time. 

Salim explained the authorities were informed by the Nepali embassy and are assisting with the situation. Malaysian authorities have also since obtained the passports of all workers.

We are in distress being away from our families in a foreign country. We feel misled and confused. None of us have much money as we already invested a lot just to come here,” Salim said when contacted. 

Nepali recruitment claims to be resolving the matter.

Online checks by The Vibes reveal at least three Nepali companies had posted advertisements seeking cleaners from Star Domain Resources, one of which is Anamol Overseas Pvt Ltd. 

According to the advertisement, it is understood that Anamol Overseas is seeking 100 workers for cleaning services with an advertised salary of RM1,500. 

Speaking to The Vibes, Anamol Overseas spokesman Niraj Gnawali said the company is aware of the situation and has made plans to assist the stranded workers. 

“We are aware of the situation and one of our staff is en route to Malaysia to help the workers. 

“We will also be making contact with Star Domain Resources,” he told The Vibes. 

The advertisement posted by Nepali company Anamol Overseas Pvt Ltd seeking 100 workers for cleaning services, with an advertised salary of RM1,500. – The Vibes pic, May 17, 2023
The advertisement posted by Nepali company Anamol Overseas Pvt Ltd seeking 100 workers for cleaning services, with an advertised salary of RM1,500. – The Vibes pic, May 17, 2023

Meanwhile, with regard to Star Domain Resources, company searches with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) revealed that it is owned by two shareholders who also hold director positions – Gui Chong Siang and Siow Swee Leong. 

According to their financial reports for the year ending June 30, 2022, the company had RM64,714 in current assets, while their current liabilities stood at RM85,107. 

The company also saw a loss of RM50,658 after taxes. 

It also appears that Star Domain Resources has a Facebook page with a few job vacancy posts on their timeline and an office number provided. 

However, The Vibes failed to receive a proper response from the company when contacted. 

A man who claimed only to be a visitor answered the phone, saying that the two shareholders of the company were currently not in the office.  

When contacted again, another woman answered the phone, explaining that she represents Star Domain Development Sdn Bhd – which she pointed out is a different entity from Star Domain Resources – and saying also that she is unable to comment on the 300 Nepali workers. 

“The person in charge of Star Domain Resources is not in.

“I can’t comment regarding the workers because I am not attached to that company,” she said. 

The Vibes was unable to obtain the names of the individuals as the phone conversations abruptly ended in the middle of the queries. 

However, SSM checks showed that Star Domain Development is indeed a separate entity, but shares the same business address with Star Domain Resources. – The Vibes, May 17, 2023

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