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Employers must be responsible for foreign workers
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Culture & Society

Employers must be responsible for foreign workers

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Foreign workers in Malaysia face mistreatment, exploitation, and denial of rights from employers and negative societal perceptions.
  • The article emphasizes the need for fair and humane treatment of all workers, including foreign nationals, who contribute to Malaysia's economy.
  • It calls for public pressure on irresponsible employers and education on the rights of foreign workers to prevent modern-day slavery.

Foreign workers in Malaysia endure mistreatment, exploitation, and a denial of basic rights, facing conditions akin to indentured servitude. These individuals, hailing from countries like Indonesia, Bangladesh, and India, are crucial to Malaysia's economy, filling vital roles in sectors often shunned by locals, including the "3D" jobs: dirty, dangerous, and difficult.

Every worker, including foreign workers, must be treated well, fairly, and humanely, not like slaves, abused, and mistreated.

— Dr. Muzaffar Syah MallowThe author emphasizes the fundamental right of all workers to humane treatment.

Despite their contributions, foreign workers frequently encounter fraud, abuse, workplace accidents, exposure to hazardous conditions, and a lack of essential protections. This negative treatment not only harms the individuals but also damages Malaysia's international reputation.

For a long time, Malaysia has been a magnet for outsiders to come and earn a living to support their lives and families.

— Dr. Muzaffar Syah MallowHighlighting Malaysia's role as a destination for foreign labor.

The article stresses the urgent need for all workers to receive adequate protection, mirroring the rights afforded to citizens. It urges Malaysians to actively challenge employers and companies that engage in unethical practices, warning that failure to do so could foster widespread modern slavery.

It is rather sad to hear news where foreign workers in Malaysia have to endure various types of misconduct from employers and negative perceptions from the surrounding community.

— Dr. Muzaffar Syah MallowDescribing the difficult realities faced by foreign workers.

Furthermore, the piece advocates for continuous public education on the rights of foreign workers and the importance of treating every human with respect, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or skin color. This awareness is presented as key to fostering a more just and humane society.

It is important that every foreign worker receives the proper protection just like everyone else.

— Dr. Muzaffar Syah MallowStressing the necessity of legal and social protection for foreign workers.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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