Migrant rights group Tenaganita has expressed concern over the numbers of foreign workers who are starving as a result of the movement control order (MCO).
Tenaganita director Aegile Fernandez (above) told media portal The Malaysian Insight that those working in the construction and manufacturing sectors are badly affected.
"They can't go to work, therefore they are not paid and do not have money to buy food.
“The situation in rural areas is worse than in urban areas.
"They are stranded in remote areas with less help, or no help at all," Aegile said.
The activist added that in urban areas, at least there are local groups providing assistance to help migrant workers.
Currently, the activist group has identified such vulnerable foreign workers in rural areas in Kedah, Perak and Johor.
Some factories have resumed operation
However, Aegile said, some employers have given positive feedback in providing for the welfare of foreign workers.
“Some factories have resumed operation and the workers are allowed to stay there instead of having to commute to work. Food is also supplied.
“However, there are still many more living in terrible conditions because they have no money and no assistance," she said.
During the MCO, which started on March 18, only manufacturing factories producing essential items are allowed to operate.
The International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) recently added exemptions to allow certain non-essential services to operate during the third phase of MCO.
The overwhelming response from business owners had spiked up the number of visitors to the Miti website, causing it to crash.
Miti reported that more than 176,000 visitors had browsed the website to send applications to allow them to resume their operations. - Mkini
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