Myanmar workers bullied

Increasing number of Myanmar workers are deprived of their salaries and documents; thus compelling MTUC to seek Home Ministry's assistance.

PETALING JAYA: Myanmar workers in Malaysia are facing an uphill battle against their employers as some of them are not paid for months and the rest victimized under the 6P program.

The latest incident affecting Myanmar workers occurred at Sun Hong Lee Engineering Works Sdn Bhd; where 6 of their workers lodged a police report against their employer and also filed a case in the tribunal court via the Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC).

According to an e-mail sent to FMT, MTUC on behalf of the Myanmar workers is seeking for justice and compensation from the employers.

MTUC representative, Peter Kandiah speaking to FMT said that they have been receiving numerous complaints from Myanmar workers in relation to non-payment of wages and poor treatment by their employers.

When asked on the Sun Hong Lee Engineering case, he stated that the employer deducted the levi from their wages.

In a letter sent to the Home Ministry on August 01, it's stated that under Section 4 of Employment Act 1955, employers are not allowed to deduct wages of a person under the pretext of collecting levi.

"Its wrong to do in that manner and if the employer wish to do so, they have to get approval from the Human Resource Ministry before engaging in such activity, said Peter.

He also stated that MTUC has requested the Immigration department to issue a special permit pass for the 6 workers until their case solved in the tribunal, but the lackluster and delayed response shown by the Immigration has irked MTUC.

Since then, MTUC has forwarded this matter to the Home Ministry in hope that they will look into it seriously and provide the necessary justice to the Myanmar workers.

It is also further stated that the 6 workers are claiming for RM 33,418 from their employer.

6P blunder

In another letter sent to the Home Ministry on August 5, MTUC also highlighted that Lavender Blossom Sdn Bhd, acting as 6P Program agents, has collected thousands from Myanmar workers under the program, but yet to obtain the proper documents for the Myanmar workers.

It's stated in the letter that 200 Myanmar workers are affected by the misleading activity.

There are an estimated 300,000 Myanmar workers in Malaysia, legal and illegal, and another 100,000 refugees from Myanmar.

Myanmar nationals are legally allowed to work in the manufacturing, plantation, agriculture, construction and services sectors here.

Also read:

Govt takes steps to solve Myanmar problem

Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2013/08/18/myanmar-workers-bullied/