More jobless migrants make their way from Pengerang to embassy in KL

Nearly 30 migrants, who made up the latest batch of foreign workers left stranded and jobless in Pengerang, Johor, have taken measures to try and resolve their prolonged unemployment, risking possible police detention in the process.

The 28 workers showed up at the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur this morning and are returning to Johor with few answers, following a mediation with the employer.

One worker told Malaysiakini that this was their third visit to the embassy and their hopes that the embassy would intervene were dwindling.

“We don't believe they can do anything for us as repeated visits to the embassy have not gotten us any results,” said the worker, whose identity is being withheld to avoid backlash from his employer.

These workers are among hundreds of migrants who have been stranded without jobs in Malaysia despite being brought in through legal recruitment channels.

However, the employer who declined to be named, has attributed the delay in the commencement of their work to training certifications and special passes for construction sector workers.

“The certification under the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), training with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh), and security clearance at the job site were holding up their commencement.

“They will be working in the oil and gas industry and the security clearance is very stringent.

“We have explained this to the workers and 15 workers have commenced work and received their first month's salary,” the employer said when contacted.

The workers have been receiving a minimum sum to tide them over until the company can provide a full salary once they start work.

“We will also catch up with their unpaid wages later,” the employer added.

Temporary jobs

The employer also assured workers their passports will be returned and temporary jobs will be sourced while they wait for their passes.

“We will find them temporary jobs and the workers, too, will be allowed to find temporary jobs,” he said.

The workers are among hundreds of unemployed migrant workers despite being brought in through legal recruitment channels.

Malaysiakini found that some were brought in by companies that won import quotas for migrant workers through fraud.

On Dec 20, 171 migrant workers from Bangladesh were taken into custody when they attempted to lodge a police report against their agent who failed to find them employment after three months here.

On Dec 25, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said his ministry would summon the agency involved in recruiting the migrant workers. - Mkini