Human Resources Minister Richard Riot says employers must also ensure migrant workers understand and respect Malaysian culture as well.
PUTRAJAYA: The new batch of Bangladeshi workers set to work in Malaysia following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two governments will be vetted for among others, prior criminal records or criminal activities.
Human Resources Minister Richard Riot Jaem said the MoU signed yesterday had specifically stated workers must also meet conditions imposed by their employers.
Among these conditions, he explained, was a willingness to be trained in the sector they would be working in, respect for and understanding of Malaysian culture as well as an understanding of the country’s policies, laws and regulations.
“The Bangladeshi workers shall also be vetted for criminal activities and their health inspected before permission is given to enter and work here,” said Riot in a press conference held at his ministry here today.
He had earlier clarified the misconception that all the 1.5 million Bangladeshis were headed to Malaysia, and explained that in fact their numbers would be spread among 139 countries.
He added that there were currently 282,287 documented Bangladeshi workers employed in various sectors here. This included the sectors of construction, manufacturing, services, plantation and agriculture.
Riot also gave his assurance that these migrant workers would be protected and provided with equal treatment as the locals working in the same industries.
“We already have sufficient laws and policies to regulate foreign workers in the country. They are entitled to the similar protection granted to locals.
“The ministry is now in the process of reviewing some of the existing labour laws and policies.”
Concerns had been raised earlier, specifically by NGO Pertubuhan Rapat Malaysia, who claimed the influx of Bangladeshi workers into the country would lead to more incidences of rape as well as the spread of diseases.
-FMT NEWS-
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