Sabah must handle its own labour affairs, says PBS leader

PBS vice-president Johnny Mositun says the proposed database would enable the state to have full control over labour and immigration matters. (Bernama pic)

KOTA KINABALU: An opposition leader has come out in support of Chief Minister Shafie Apdal’s order to the state trade and industry ministry to set up a database on migrant labour.

PBS vice-president Johnny Mositun said a comprehensive database was essential for Sabah to effectively manage migrant labour and prevent abuses.

This, he said, would contribute to a reduction in crime and social issues that threatened security.

“The chief minister’s directive to the trade and industry ministry is timely.

“A proper database that can be shared among different government agencies, including those in charge of security and law enforcement, will be of immense value in rationalising and controlling migrant labour in Sabah,” Mositun said in a statement today.

Shafie had issued the directive during a visit to Keningau, where he inspected several industrial establishments, last week.

The Warisan president had stressed that migrant labour and illegal immigrants were two different issues that needed to be addressed separately.

Mositun noted the chief minister’s clarification that documentation of migrant workers was not the same as issuing Malaysian identity cards or granting citizenship.

“The two should be kept separate and the respective authorities must be allowed to do their work unhindered.

“That will lend itself to a more efficient and effective administration.

“The issue of migrant labour is complex and confusing because it has long been exploited by certain quarters for quick profit.”

Mositun said the proposed database would also enable the state to have full control over labour and immigration matters.

He said it may be good to place recruitment of migrant labour directly under the state labour department.

“There is no need for the federal government to be involved or to appoint agents, we know our labour needs. Our own labour department can do this.

“Also, levies and taxes on foreign workers should be state revenue.”

Mositun said the present migrant labour recruitment procedures actually encouraged corruption, profiteering, inefficiencies and exploitation of foreign workers.

“The chief minister must address these matters which add to the cost of hiring migrant workers.

“Parliament is also preparing to provide for the retention of 20% of foreign workers’ wages until they return to their countries of origin.

“The impact on migrant workers, mostly low wage earners, is yet to be known, so we must be prepared. The bottom line is Sabah should handle its own labour affairs,” he said. - FMT