'Malaysia’s economic status will worsen if migrant workers' issues not addressed'

Malaysia’s economy would worsen if the government does not address the issues faced by migrant workers, said Persatuan Sahabat Wanita Selangor executive director Irene Xavier.

She said products of forced labour will be rejected by developed nations, leading to the downfall of the country’s economy.

“When migrant workers are placed in working conditions where they work for low wage rates, they are forced to work long hours to reach their target of earning a good salary. Many things will happen not only to the migrants themselves but to the country.

“One of it is that people in developed countries such as the United States and in the European Union will refuse to buy goods that are made by forced labour.

“Malaysia is at the top of that list where many of our agricultural goods, such as palm oil, have been rejected by these countries.

“That affects our economy,” Irene (above), who is also Labour Law Reform Coalition chairperson, said at the launch of Manifesto Rakyat - a collective effort by CSO Platform for Reform and Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia to represent the diverse voices of Malaysians aspiring for a harmonious, equitable, and progressive nation.

The manifesto, dubbed a “living document”, identifies 27 policy areas categorised into three pillars.

Among its demands include a comprehensive policy for migrant workers: calling for the report of the Special Independent Committee on Foreign Worker Management to be made public, to cease ad hoc policies, and establish effective procedures under the Human Resources Ministry to manage migrant workers.

The manifesto also demands a halt to the arbitrary arrest and detention of undocumented migrants, universal healthcare, the right to decent work in accordance with Malaysia’s labour laws and ratifying all basic conventions on migrant work and workers by the International Labour Organisation and United Nations. - Mkini