Gov't mulls new mechanism to curb exploitation of migrant workers - Kula

INTERVIEW | The Human Resources Ministry has proposed the voluntary adoption of an internal audit mechanism by employers to curb the exploitation of migrant workers.

According to minister M Kulasegaran, under this mechanism, the employers will hire an independent company to conduct an internal audit and draft a 'social compliance audit report'.

"The audit report will encompass all the requirements of the ministry, namely - whether wages, Socso and EPF contributions have been paid in time, whether leave has been given to the workers and how many days of leave, as well as (matters related to) hospitalisation."

"(The auditor) will also interview the workers," he said in a group interview with local media in conjunction with the first year anniversary of the Pakatan Harapan administration next month.

The audit report will be submitted to the company and the ministry once completed, he said.

"If the report is unsatisfactory, we will not renew the necessary approval we have given earlier," he said.

Beside ensuring best practice in the industries, Kulasegaran also pinpointed the self-regulating mechanism as a possible solution to the lack of enforcement manpower.

This proposal was brought up after the ministry's application to increase manpower in enforcement teams was turned down by the Public Services Department (PSD).

The internal audit mechanism will see a sizeable reduction in raids conducted on the supply chain, he said.

"Basically (this is meant) for migrant workers first, but we welcome everybody (to conduct the audit process). This will make things easier, we don't have to visit your office," he said.

As for those who choose not to adopt the mechanism, the ministry will continue to carry its operation and raid them as usual.

The employers have to bear the cost, he said.

"We want the best system and somebody has to pay," he said, when asked about the acceptance of the employers.

He added that the proposal has been discussed with the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) for some time.

"It is still at the discussion stage, there is no finality on the matter. We will discuss with all the stakeholders," he added.

The self-regulating mechanism has been practised in many countries and has successful operators, including big companies in Malaysia, he said.

The mechanism was adopted by the world's largest industry coalition, Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) which came out with a validated audit process as a means to combat trafficked and forced labour.  - Mkini