Written by Free Malaysia Today
A former MP says Malaysia has crossed into the territory of “slave labour”, in the wake of reports on the treatment of migrant workers in the country.
Speaking to FMT, Charles Santiago also called for the creation of a specific ministry to oversee the management of migrant workers, similar to the set-ups in the Philippines and Indonesia.
“We have crossed the threshold of forced labour and are now in modern slavery territory,” he said.
Citing stories of migrant workers who are not paid, he drew a comparison with instances of forced labour where their passports are seized but they are “at least, to some extent, paid for their labour”.
Santiago, who in July wrote extensively on modern slavery in Malaysia, said the country was now at risk of having sanctions imposed against it.
He said it could also deter investors who would be wary of pumping money into countries that do not comply with international practices.
“This problem has gone international,” the former MP for Klang said, referring to news reports in foreign media.
“And I predict that more such stories will be coming out in the next few months. At this rate, the prime minister needs to do something.”
Santiago suggested that Anwar Ibrahim set up a commission, preferably headed by former judges, to investigate claims within a three-month period and propose reforms.
He said a commission would be able to gain the perspective of both sides – the sector as well as the foreign workers – and come up with recommendations.
He also urged the prime minister to set up a ministry to deal with migrant workers.
“Right now, two ministries oversee this aspect, namely the human resources ministry and the home ministry.
“That’s where the root of the problem lies,” he said, adding that the Foreign Workers Centralised Management System should be abolished as well.
According to the 2022 Auditor-General’s Report released in November, the system, which replaced the Foreign Workers Integrated Management System, was not fully managed by the human resources ministry but was administered by a private vendor.
Earlier this month, The Telegraph reported that workers at Shimano’s Malaysian supplier, Kwang Li Industry, based in Pekan Nanas, had been subject to physical abuse and threats, unlawful salary deductions and recruitment fees, and unpaid suspensions.
Shimano, one of the world’s best-known brands for bicycle parts, had sold gears produced by “modern slaves”, the Telegraph reported.
The human resources ministry is currently investigating the matter.
Written by Free Malaysia Today
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