Group demands law to protect interns’ rights

 A group representing internship students demanded the government enact a law that protects an intern’s rights, particularly against unpaid labour.

The group comprising university students, interns, and former interns submitted their demands in a memorandum to the Human Resource Ministry in Putrajaya today.

Group representative Rashifa Aljuneid said it is unreasonable that interns remain without legal protection either under the Employment Act 1955 or the Universities and University College Act 1971 (UUCA).

She added that in today's reality, while facing the high cost of living, youths must still undergo compulsory industrial training to graduate.

Rashifa said while an intern will gain working experience, the experience alone cannot pay for their house rent, transportation, and meals during the internship.

While some companies pay their interns, Rashifa said the number is relatively small and is mostly based in Kuala Lumpur.

“Other states such as Terengganu, Sabah, Sarawak, and Johor are still far behind when it comes to this matter,” she told a press conference after handing in the memorandum to Human Resource Minister Steven Sim’s special duty officer, Chee Yeeh Ceeu.

In June last year, Rashifa spent three days walking around her campus with a signboard fighting for the rights of interns, including being paid a decent allowance.

The group linked to Muda, however, did not propose any set amount for an allowance to be paid, although they urged to consider the current minimum wage rate.

Rashifa also said the government has enough resources to research and determine the right amount for allowance.

“We refuse to give any number because we don’t want it to be used as a benchmark,” she added.

Pay should cover basic costs

In principle, the group said the amount should be able to cover the basic cost of living including transportation, rental, meals, and more.

Further, the group in their memorandum also said a new policy should enacted to protect the welfare of interns, including on matters involving safety and health.

Rashifa said they will set up a secretariat to coordinate its future actions, including looking for opportunities to discuss their demands with other related ministries.

“We will also push as many MPs as possible to speak up about intern’s rights in the upcoming parliamentary sitting in February,” she added.

‘What’s your excuse?’

In July last year, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that a minimum of RM800 in allowance would be given to interns working in the government and GLCs.

Meanwhile, another representative of the group, Imran Sulaiman questioned what other excuses can be given by companies who still refuse to pay their interns.

“Interns are human too. They have things that need to be paid and debts that must be settled. Some come from orphanages or the only breadwinner of their family.

“Why can’t the government and the (hiring) company treat interns with some basic dignity?” he added. - Mkini