A company unable to pay the minimum wage of RM1,500 yet allowed to recruit migrant workers under the new relaxed plan is less likely to meet other labour law standards, said PSM today.
Its deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan (above) said this in denouncing the Home Ministry's recent announcement that employers are now given a grace period of six months after they have brought in migrant workers to comply with labour laws - including on the ability to pay minimum wage.
"Why allow employers to bring in migrant workers if they cannot even pay a minimum wage of RM1,500?
"This statement by the minister (Saifuddin Nasution Ismail) giving them (employers) six months grace period is totally unacceptable," Arutchelvan said in a statement today.
"Imagine if companies bring new migrant workers but they cannot pay even minimum wage, do you think they will follow all other important laws on accommodation and others?
"Looks like, in spite of the rhetoric that the government is pro the poor, we have seen that they seem to be only hearing the voices of employers and the bosses."
Arutchelvan said this in echoing concerns raised by migrant activists, including on how the grace period would put workers at risk of exploitation by irresponsible employers.
Saifuddin announced on Jan 17 that eligible employers will be exempted from preconditions including the ability to pay minimum wage, until six months after when they will be inspected jointly with the Human Resources Ministry.
Arutchelvan further insisted that the Home Ministry's involvement alongside the Human Resources Ministry in the management of migrant workers recruitment has contributed to the bigger problem.
Both Saifuddin and Human Resources Minister V Sivakumar had in the past week announced a larger plan said to ease the burden of employers from various industries seeking urgent employment of migrant workers. - Mkini
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