IPOH, The Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM) has rescued 86 foreign workers, in three separate operations in Ipoh, Manjung and Tapah, this morning.
JTKSM director-general Kamal Pardi said that the joint operations with the relevant authorities were one of the measures taken to ensure the well-being of foreign workers, while also refuting international allegations that this country practises forced labour.
He said 52 workers, from Bangladesh, Myanmar and Indonesia, were inspected during the operation in Ipoh, and that only seven of the workers have refugee cards from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), while the other 14 are illegal immigrants.
In the second and third operations in Manjung and Tapah, 17 foreign workers were rescued respectively.
“They were employed in construction in Meru Raya for the past two weeks, but the employer did not provide jobs and left them without a source of income,” he told reporters when met after the operations.
Kamal said that, during the inspections, employers were also found to have violated the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 446).
In addition to the limited space in the shared accommodation, the affected foreign workers only sleep on rubber mats, as there are no beds or mattresses available, and the employers have failed to provide adequate accommodation for the workers,” he said.
Kamal said that the JTKSM will not compromise on anything that could lead to forced labour, which could tarnish the country's image.
“We urge employers in all sectors to fulfil their responsibilities, by ensuring job placement and proper accommodation for foreign workers," he said.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency