Foreign workers punished - forced to play "volleyball with stones" and refusal results in beatings?

Workers, and migrant workers too, are human beings and deserve to be treated with dignity. The allegations of torture - forced to play 'volleyball with stones', beaten with sticks, etc are  serious violations of worker rights, human rights and even Malaysian law. 

The allegation of denying workers suddenly of bus that tansports them to work - forcing them to walk an hour to work is also wrong.

Do workers, migrant workers, have REAL access to justice in Malaysia? Sadly, I would have to say the answer is 'NO'. Migrant workers can lodge complaints at the Human Resource Department(formerly known as the Labour Department) or even the police - but then many employers will just terminate the services of these workers and cause their employment pass/visa to be terminated - denying workers the right to remain legally in Malaysia. These 'illegal migrants' are then tracked, arrested, detained, charged in court or deported. Remember, the sentence now for remaining in Malaysia 'illegally' includes 2 caning..

Because of the inefficient, or really 'absent' REAL access to justice, migrant workers have 2 choices - (1) To suffer the exploitation, violation of rights, cheating, 'torture', etc and continue to work; OR (2) To highlight and 'fight' for justice...and now, the only means from the migrant perspective is to picket, protest or go on 'strike'... [And when there is a big hoo-hah at the factory, the media gets interested and report the incidents....]. The solution really is for the government to put in place a more effective system to access justice for migrant workers - something that is speedy, and also give workers claiming rights the ability to stay and work legally in Malaysia...

A Malaysian worker exploited by an employer has the CHOICE to leave that employer and seek employment with another employer... Maybe, this right to change employer should be extended to migrant workers - the onus being on employers to then register and 'legalize' the worker..

The relevant human resource department should also become PROACTIVE making regular spot-checks at places of employment - making sure that employees are not being cheated or exploited...

It is a loss of faith in the government and relevant authorities that results in stronger actions from aggrieved workers... The perception of many workers, not just migrant workers, is that the authorities are pro-employer... This perception must be changed, and the onus is with the government...

So what will happen in this case - will some workers be arrested and charged? Will some be terminated and sent off? Will the government take any action these employers or their management staff? Or will there be a 'blackout' in reporting and employer wrongs all be 'swept under the carpet'?

Workers will want to know outcome of these cases - what action taken against the employers, etc - and maybe these information should be publicly available at the Ministry or relevant department websites... That will impact the perspective of workers to the authorities - they will know that 'bad employers' cannot escape...

Workers are losing...Malaysian workers who take actions for worker rights just get terminated....Union leaders who are vocal and active just get terminated... Malaysian present government must really stop these 'persecution' of workers... See:-

What happened to the 18 workers terminated by DRB HICOM subsidiaries? 

Now 51 groups call on DRB HICOM TO RESPECT THE CITIZENS’ RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS IN MALAYSIA

Malaysian Airlines takes disciplinary SG of NUFAM and 30 others - Union Busting?

54 groups and unions:- Malaysian Airlines Must Respect Trade Union and Worker Rights Cease Anti-Union activities against NUFAM and its members

87 Groups :- RENESAS MUST IMMEDIATELY ACCORD RECOGNITION TO THE UNION AND REINSTATE WAN NOORULAZHAR

Migrant workers voted in 'secret ballot' for union recognition, terminated and send back to country of origin?

I believe the workers would not have burned the car, etc if not for what the employer did - so, who is at fault? 

1500 Migrant Workers Strike for 36 Hours Following Death of Migrant Worker

Will the AG charge the employer for the death of the Nepali worker in Pokok Sena, Kedah? Will there be an autopsy to determine cause of death? 

Remembering the JCY's 5,000 Workers Protest 2010 - maybe the biggest workers' protest in Malaysia for many years

3:35PM Aug 26, 2014

Workers torch car in 'stone volleyball' riot

A manager had allegedly forced a group of foreign workers to play "volleyball with stones" and those who refused were beaten with a stick.
The incident is said to have sparked off a riot outside the factory in Kulai, Johor, this morning, which witnessed hundreds of enraged workers throwing stones and torching a car belonging to a management staff.
According to a source, who works in the area, the "stone volleyball" was punishment for workers who took part in a protest at a sister factory in Tebrau over the death of a fellow worker.
The worker had allegedly died after he was refused treatment. However, there is no other information regarding this case.
The riot, which started at 10am, lasted for more than an hour until it was diffused by the police Federal Reserve Unit (FRU).
Despite numerous attempts, Malaysiakini could not get comments from the management.
One staff member, who answered the call, said: "The company is closed today, call tomorrow... call tomorrow, I don’t know anything... call tomorrow and speak to the manager."
Meanwhile, The Star Online quoted a representative of the workers, Kishor Rai, 23, claiming that the company abused the workers, mostly Nepalese, on daily basis and they could not take it anymore.
"When we make mistakes, they hit us and this is just unfair.
"In fact, due to an earlier disagreement, the management even refused to send us our usual bus and we were forced to walk for about 1 hour to get to work," he was quoted as saying.- Malaysiakini, 26/8/2014, Workers torch car in 'stone volleyball' riot

1500 Migrant Workers Strike for 36 Hours Following Death of Migrant Worker

A worker died - and 1,500 fellow workers protested - they refused to work - well, it is a 'strike'.... 

the workers started the strike to show their dissatisfaction with the factory’s alleged negligence in handling the health issue of a worker who died of chest problems that day.

Well, the Star report calls it a 'riot' - but really, when a fellow worker dies because the workers believe that it was the employer's fault or negligence, would not expect some anger and 'outbursts'? We all remember the video footages of the families of the victims in flight MH370... 

These workers reacted because of what happened to a fellow worker - and they are also concerned about the wellbeing of the deceased worker's family...

“The workers were just concerned that the company would not pay out the remaining two years’ salary of their deceased countryman as per his contract. We assured them that the company will pay the salary of any foreigners who works with our company under a three-year contract – even if he were to pass away during that period,”

I believe that this demand is reasonable and a good employer would be willing to do this..

I hope that Star will follow-up with a report that tell us more - and whether the employer does good.... will the employer arrange for the body to be returned back to the family in Nepal..? What really happened that made the workers so angry...When did the factory become aware of the victims illness/medical condition? Did they immediately arrange for the worker to be sent to the hospital?  

Note also that the Star report did not reveal the name of the company...why did they do this? Protecting the employer? What was the name and age of the victim? What was the agreement reached that the workers decided to go back to work after 36 hours? 

Factories must really have some 'health personnel' at their factories, especially those that have more than 1,000 workers - someone who can provide first aid and healthcare. They must also have an ambulance or at least some transport that can speedily send sick or injured workers to the hospital... This, is not the first case, where workers(migrant workers) died because of delay of sending a sick worker to hospital. Hopefully, this employer would do what JCY HDD Technology Sdn. Bhd (follow the link below), which amongst others was   

"Company will provide a vehicle and driver on 24 hour standby at the main hostel to facilitate the emergency transportation of worker to hospital for any emergency treatments......On top of the normal workmen compensation benefits, the company had agreed to improve the contribution to the beneficiary of the worker.

Star must also be praised because sadly many media outlets just do not bother about worker issues... 

See also related posts:-

Will the AG charge the employer for the death of the Nepali worker in Pokok Sena, Kedah? Will there be an autopsy to determine cause of death? 

Remembering the JCY's 5,000 Workers Protest 2010 - maybe the biggest workers' protest in Malaysia for many years

Nepali workers riot over colleague’s death

by yee xiang yun

Demonstrating concern: Workers holding up a sign stating their terms during a strike at their quarters.

JOHOR BARU: Some 1,500 Nepalese have refused to go to work for more than 36 hours at a mechanical component manufacturing plant and even flung things out of their living quarters in protest following the death of a colleague.

They threw out pieces of metal and glass, electronic products, chairs and boots from their four-storey hostel, smashing the glass windows of the guard’s post, while some turned a parked van to its side.

The drama started to unfold on Thursday evening at the hostel which is located a stone’s throw away from the plant in Jalan Firma 3 at the Tebrau IV industrial area here.

According to sources, the workers started the strike to show their dissatisfaction with the factory’s alleged negligence in handling the health issue of a worker who died of chest problems that day.

The factory’s management went to the living quarters yesterday and spoke to the workers to find out their concerns. Its executive director Datuk Tan Shih Leng denied that they had neglected the deceased’s initial complaints of chest pains. He said the management had given him medical leave earlier to recover before he died at the hospital.

“The workers were just concerned that the company would not pay out the remaining two years’ salary of their deceased countryman as per his contract. We assured them that the company will pay the salary of any foreigners who works with our company under a three-year contract – even if he were to pass away during that period,” he said.

According to him, factory workers who passed away after exceeding the three-year contract period would get a RM10,000 compensation on top of insurance claims.

Tan said that the workers had agreed to go back to work during the factory’s 7pm shift on Friday. - Star, 24/8/2014,Nepali workers riot over colleague’s death

3 migrant workers die & CEO of MRT resigns - "constantly stressed on the needs to improve on the safety standards in the construction industry"

3 migrant workers from Bangladesh killed at construction worksite accident - and the CEO of Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) resigns - well Azhar, by the way, stated that he had always stressed on the need to improve safety in the construction industry.

Azhar said his decision to resign was in line with MRT Corp taking full responsibility for the incident. “As the head of MRT Corp, I am taking personal responsibility for the incident and this is the correct thing to do...

Malaysia really needs to be proactive and improve the safety at construction work sites - The attitude of just hoping that nothing happens and responding to accidents and death of workers must stop.

Azhar said he hopes this incident will serve as a lesson for those in the construction industry on ensuring safety at construction sites."I have been constantly stressed on the needs to improve on the safety standards in the construction industry since the first day I became the MRT Corp CEO."Unfortunately, this incident showed that safety standards may have been breached and that has brought about my resignation," said Azhar.

MRT boss resigns over fatal accident at worksite 

Published: 19 August 2014

Azhar has decided to resign following the incident which occurred in Kota Damansara yesterday. - The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, August18, 2014. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) chief executive officer Datuk Wira Azhar Abdul Hamid has tendered his resignation over the accident at an MRT worksite near Kota Damansara last night which claimed the lives of three workers.

Azhar said his decision to resign was in line with MRT Corp taking full responsibility for the incident.

“As the head of MRT Corp, I am taking personal responsibility for the incident and this is the correct thing to do. I have informed the Chairman of MRT Corp, Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa, of my decision,” he says.
Azhar was appointed CEO of MRT Corp on September 1, 2011 following the Government’s decision to set up the company to take over the ownership and development of the Klang Valley MRT Project from Syarikat Prasarana Malaysia Bhd. Meanwhile, MRT Corp also informed media in the latest update on the worksite accident that the bodies of the two remaining workers who were trapped beneath the span of the MRT guideway, which had dislodged from its piers and fallen on the ground below at 8.30pm yesterday night, have been recovered.

The bodies of Bangladesh nationals Mohamad Faruk Khan, 38, and Mohammad Alauddin Mollik, 34, were recovered at about 1.35pm after the sixth segmented box girders which form the span were lifted.

The body of the third Bangladeshi, Mohammad Elahi Hossain, was pulled out from under the MRT guideway at 2.34am.

In a statement today, Azhar assured that the relevant authorities will begin an investigation into the incident to identify its cause.

“I hope all weaknesses which are identified will be rectified,” he said, adding that he was "extremely saddened' by the loss of lives.

Azhar had always stressed the need to improve safety in the construction industry and had personally made some effort to achieve this.

MRT Corp also said that the bodies of two remaining workers, who were trapped under the concrete span, have been recovered.

The bodies of Bangladeshis Mohamad Faruk Khan, 38, and 34-year-old Mohammad Alauddin Mollik were recovered at about 1.35pm, after the sixth segmented box girders which form the span were lifted.

Earlier this morning, the body of Mohammad Elahi Hossain, 27, was found at 2.30 am trapped under the collapsed span.

The workers' remains were taken to the Sungai Buloh Hospital for post-mortem.

The three construction workers went missing after the 650-tonne span at the MRT worksite near the former Rubber Research Institute land collapsed at 8.30 pm yesterday

The Bangladesh High Commission has been informed, MRT said, to contact the family members of the three workers who had died.

"MRT Corp and SMPP (contractor Syarikat Muhibah Perniagaan dan Pembinaan Sdn Bhd) will make the necessary arrangements for the bodies to be repatriated to Bangladesh once the next of kin have been informed and consent is given by the High Commission," the statement read.

All work at the site has been called off until further notice, it said, adding that Project Delivery Partner MMC Gamuda KVMRT (PDP) Sdn Bhd has commenced investigations to determine the cause of the incident.

“Initial investigations have revealed that the work method approved for the installation of parapets was not adhered to.

“We will investigate why this happened, and no stone will be left unturned so that we can get to the bottom of this tragic incident. We will also not spare anyone whose actions are found to have caused or contributed to this accident,” Azhar said.

He also assured that the MRT structures have been checked to be safe, allaying public worry over the safety of the span.

“Immediate checks carried out have revealed that there is no reason for the public to worry about the other spans which have been built along the alignment. There is absolutely no issue with structural integrity along our alignment,” he says.

Meanwhile, Subang MP R Sivarasa has urged authorities to suspend the whole MRT project until investigations can be carried out to prove that it was safe, adding that this was the second case of a similar nature in merely two months.

"Road users who frequently pass through MRT work sites should have confidence in their safety. These two incidents, unfortunately, do not inspire any confidence.

"Until this confidence is restored through detailed reports, I urge that the work should be stopped immediately," he said in a statement. – August 19, 2014, Malaysian Insider, MRT boss resigns over fatal accident at worksite

 

- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/mrt-boss-resigns-over-accident#sthash.RCabbStb.dpuf 

 

 

MRT CEO resigns over construction site accident

Posted on 19 August 2014 - 06:19pm
Last updated on 19 August 2014 - 06:53pm

Nabilah Hamudin
newsdesk@thesundaily.my

SUNPIX

SUNGAI BULOH: Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Corp chief executive officer Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid (pix) has resigned over Monday night's accident at the MRT construction site in Kota Damansara.

"I have informed the Chairman of MRT Corp Tan Sri Ali Hamsa of my decision and I will be submitting my resignation letter to him later. I know my resignation will not bring the lives of the three workers back, but I believe it is the correct thing to do," said Azhar during a press conference at the Kota Damansara MRT project site today.

Azhar said he hopes this incident will serve as a lesson for those in the construction industry on ensuring safety at construction sites.

"I have been constantly stressed on the needs to improve on the safety standards in the construction industry since the first day I became the MRT Corp CEO.

"Unfortunately, this incident showed that safety standards may have been breached and that has brought about my resignation," said Azhar.

Meanwhile, the Director of Stakeholder Relations and Land Management, Haris Fadzilah Hassan will assume the role of acting CEO until a successor is appointed by the government.

In the 8.30pm incident yesterday, 650 tonnes of concrete at the construction site of an overhead rail passage of the Sungai Buloh – Kajang MRT line had collapsed, resulting in the deaths of three Bangladeshi nationals - Mohamad Faruk Khan, 38, Mohammad Alauddin Mollik, 34, and Mohammad Elahi Hossain, 27.

It is learnt that the three victims worked for MRT Corp's sub-contractors.- Sun, 19/8/2014, MRT CEO resigns over construction site accident

Migrant workers abused and tortured during crackdown in Malaysia? So claims the Philippines government?

The crackdown on allegedly 'illegal'(a better word is undocumented, as no human being is illegal) has started in Malaysia... and the RELA is involved again. Now the RELA, a volunteer corp, unlike the police and immigration personnel do not have the required training when it comes to arrest and detention, and most like abuses may happen...Rape is also possible, as did allegedly happen to an Indonesian woman as reported in Malay Mail on December 2013 [The report is below]

Some 10,000 enforcement personnel from the Immigration Department, Royal Malaysia Police and People's Volunteer Corps (Rela) took part in the nationwide exercise which started just after midnight after the three-month special programme officially ended yesterday.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said it was time for the government to act against errant employers who did not take the opportunity to register illegal immigrants under their tutelage seriously. - Malaysia Chronicle, 21/1/2014, CRACKDOWN on illegal immigrants begins

The Philippine government is alleging that legitimate workers are also being detained, and that too is most likely because any migrant without the proper documents are being arrested and detained. In law, the proper document would the original passport and the employment visa/pass  - and still many employers/agents/third parties hold on to these original documents like a 'dog lease' allegedly to prevent their migrant workers from running away. This is wrong in law as the passport and the visa/pass is personal to the worker. I am of the opinion that a migrant worker who gets arrested and detained just because the employer holds on to the passport should SUE such employers in court for damages for the loss of liberty, humiliation and suffering. Maybe, the Philippines government may assist one of its OFWs to do this... 

Detained in cramped unhygienic conditions - well, just take a look at even police lock-ups in Malaysia. The toilet is in the cell as well, and you have to do 'your business' shamelessly in front of your cellmates. In a crackdown like this, detention facilities will even be more cramped.

SUHAKAM(Malaysian Human Rights Commission) must immediately investigate these allegations.

See also earlier post:- 

If you deport migrants hurriedly, how can there be investigation, prosecution and conviction of those that bring in undocumented migrants?

 

Manila: Filipinos abused, tortured in crackdown

January 24, 2014 

The Philippines government claims that even legitimate workers are being rounded up and some being abused. 

MANILA: Even legitimate overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in Malaysia were not spared in the ongoing crackdown on illegal immigrants as tales of abuse and torture continue to be ignored by envoys there.

Because of this, Malacañang on Thursday directed the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to immediately mobilize its consular office in Malaysia to check on the reports.

“There is priority attention being given [to those reports] to find out the particular cases of undue and unjust harassment or harm [against Filipinos],” said Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr, reported Manila Times today.

He said Filipino officials in Malaysia will be asked to act on the reports.

The Manila Times reported Coloma as saying that he will personally call up Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Ed Malaya to know the condition of those who were affected by the crackdown.

“Specific [complaints] should require clarification,” he added.

Reports reaching Malacañang indicated that a group of legitimate OFWs was jailed along with undocumented ones in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. There, the Filipinos, including one architect who has been working legally in the country, were crammed in a small jail cell.

“They were treated like sardines and one could sleep only while standing or hardly sitting down,” said DZRH reporter Florante Rosales, whose brother was among those rounded up by Malaysian police.

Rosales said his younger brother, who was able to sneak in a cellular phone inside the facility, claimed that they were beaten up and made to confess on violations they did not commit.

“The DFA reacts very slowly. Our relatives are there legally and yet they were abused, counted among those undocumented,” Rosales told the Manila Times.

According to his brother, Rosales said the consul of Malaysia should be investigated and that President Benigno Aquino himself should crack the whip on embassy officials who have been remiss in their duties.

“They give no support to jailed Filipinos. Many are sick. Women are being raped by Malaysian guards,” he quoted his younger brother as saying.

Coloma vowed “prompt action from the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.”

“I am sure that it will be given priority attention by our ambassador,” he said.- Free Malaysia Today, 24/1/2014, Manila: Filipinos abused, tortured in crackdown

Cop detained over alleged rape of foreigner

By G. PRAKASH 
December 13, 2013

 
The policeman, in his mid-20s, was arrested the same day. He had been with the force for seven years and is married with two children. – AFP pic 

PETALING JAYA, Dec 13 — A policeman was arrested after an Indonesian worker alleged that she was raped by him at a budget hotel in Kajang on Tuesday night.

The lance corporal was said to have to have detained the woman, in her late 20s, during a raid at her house in Bandar Baru Bangi.

Her husband and their housemate were released after they produced identification papers but the woman failed to do so.

The policeman then arrested her and took her to a nearby police station.

There the woman claimed the policeman tried to solicit sex from her by threatening to put her in a lock-up if she did not give in to his demands.

In fear, the woman relented and was taken to a budget hotel where she claimed she was raped.

She lodged a police report at a different district police headquarters on Wednesday.

The policeman, in his mid-20s, was arrested the same day. He had been with the force for seven years and is married with two children.

Police are checking if he had any disciplinary problems.

Kajang police chief ACP Ab Rashid Ab Wahab said police were investigating the allegation made by the woman and refused further comment.- Malay Mail, 13/12/2013, Cop detained over alleged rape of foreigner

Malaysia moving towards an end of foreign worker recruitment agencies(third parties), wanting employer to directly apply for and employ migrants

On 30/10/2013, question was raised in Malaysian Parliament concerning migrant workers. Some points that were made are as follows. [Extracts for the copy of the Hansard in the Malay language obtained from Malaysian Parliamentary website is also included below] 

Total number of migrant workers in Malaysia is 2.116 million, and this includes undocumented migrant workers that were legalized following the 6P program.

They are currently employed in the following sectors

Employment Sector	Total (persons)
Manufacturing	733,000
Construction	425,000
Plantation	347,000
Services	251,000
Domestic Workers	180,000
Agriculture	179,000

The 5 main country of origin for documented migrant workers are as follows:-

Country	Total(persons)
Indonesia	935,000
Nepal	359,000
Bangladesh	319,000
Myanmar	174,000
India	117,000

On undocumented migrants, it was revealed that a total of 1.3 million undocumented workers were registered during the 6P program, of which 503,000 were legalized – became documented workers. [Those not legalized would have been detained and thereafter deported]

A new recruitment policy – no more recruitment agencies but direct dealings with the employer

What is evident is that the Minister is that the government is taking a strong position against Recruitment Agencies encouraging now employers who need workers to directly apply for migrant workers. “ we do not want to entertain again the role played by foreign worker recruitment agencies, rather would allow employers to directly apply, no more through third parties, This is because third parties generally get larger pofits. We do not want to allow what is akin to ‘slave business’ in our country.”

"...kita tidak mahu melayani semula peranan yang dimainkan oleh agensi pengambilan pekerja asing, sebaliknya pihak majikandiizinkan terus memohon, tidak melalui orang ketiga. Ini kerana orang ketiga ini lazimnya  mengaut keuntungan lebih banyak. Kita tidak mahu seolah-olah ada perniagaan hamba abdi berlaku di negara kita...."

Several steps have been taken including that we do not anymore permit foreign worker employment agencies to end their ‘dominance and behaving like kings’

“…beberapa tindakan telah dilakukan termasuk kita tidak lagi mengizinkan agensi-agensi pengambilan pekerja asing bermaharajalela..."

Crime and Migrants

On crime, the Minister said that most crimes are committed by locals, migrant workers may be only accountable for 10 – 15% of crimes.

All jobs have dignity.

Call for a change of perception by Malaysians who should take any kind of work/jobs – white collar or blue collar jobs.

Identification Cards for Migrant Workers

They will be given biometric identification cards, which will also be colour coded to indicate the sector that they are allowed to work in - discouraging movement of migrant workers from one sector to another.

2. Tuang Fong Kui Lun [Bukit Bintang]minta Menteri Dalam Negeri menyatakan kedudukan pekerja asing yang berada di negara ini,  pecahan bilangan pekerja dengan izin dan tanpa izin pelbagai negara ehingga 30.9.2013 sertabilangan pemutihan dan apakah langkah untuk mengurangkan penggantungan negara kepada pekerja asing. 

Menteri Dalam Negeri [Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi]:Tuan Yang di-Pertua, saya ucapkan terima kasih kepada sahabat saya Yang Berhormat Bukit Bintang yang bertanyakan soalan yang agak penting bagi kegunaan untuk seluruh rakyat Malaysia. Saya ingin maklumkan kepada Dewan yang mulia ini dan kepada Ahli Yang Berhormat bahawa Pas Lawatan Kerja Sementara atau PLKS yang masih sah dan aktif sehingga tarikh yang ditanya oleh Yang Berhormat adalah seramai 2.116 juta orang. Jumlah ini termasuk PATI yang telah diputihkan dan dikeluarkan PLKS di bawah program 6P yang lalu.

Mengikut pecahan saya ingin sebutkan secara ringkas bahawa:

Sektor pekerjaan	Jumlah (orang)
Perkilangan	733,000
Pembinaan	425,000
Perladangan	347,000
Perkhidmatan	251,000
Pembantu rumah	180,000
Pertanian	179,000

Dari segi negeri yang tertinggi. Terdapat lima buahnegeri yang tertinggi yang membekalkan pekerja antaranya ialah:

Negara	Jumlah (orang)
Indonesia	935,000
Nepal	359,000
Bangladesh	319,000
Myanmar	174,000
India	117,000

Untuk statistik pendatang Tanpa Izin. Kementerian tidak mempunyai rekod yang rasmi tetapi kita boleh menjangkakan jumlah keseluruhannya kerana mengikut Program 6P yang dilakukan sebelum ini terdapat 1.3 juta PATI yang telah didaftarkan dan daripada jumlah berkenaan seramai 503,000 telah pun diputihkan. 

Apabila tempoh 6P itu tamat, kementerian Dalam Negeri dengan penyelarasan bersama kementerian-kementerian lain termasuk Kementerian Sumber Manusia dan Jawatankuasa Khas Kabinet mengenai PATI yang telah mengadakan beberapa keputusan yang telah melancarkan operasi baru iaitu Ops Bersepadu yang telah dimulakan pada 1 September yang lalu. Jelas daripada apa yang telah dilakukan, beberapa tindakan telah dilakukan termasuk kita tidak lagi mengizinkan agensi-agensi pengambilan pekerja asing bermaharajalela. 

Kita meminta mana-mana majikan yang tertipu supaya mengemukakan permohonan terus kepada Jabatan Imigresen dan mengemukakan bukti penipuan yang dilakukan termasuklah kononnya mereka telah membayar levi dan membayar lain-lain caj perkhidmatan kepada agensi pengambilan pekerja asing berkenaan untuk kita ambil tindakan. Dengan langkah itu kita harap kebergantungan kita terhadap pekerja asing dapat dikurangkan. 

Saya harap Tuan Yang di-Pertua, di dalam Dewan yangmulia ini untuk rakyat Malaysia keseluruhannya, bukan sahaja Ahli Yang Berhormat diDewan yang mulia ini tetapi saya yakin ramai di kalangan rakyat Malaysia di luar sana yangmenonton siaran langsung ini. Saya ingin memberitahu ubahlah sikap. Sikap kebergantungan kepada pekerja asing. Yang kedua, kita minta tenaga kerja di Malaysia ubah sikap supaya mengambil peluang pekerja yang sedia ada. 

Bayangkanlah kita tidak mahu menjadi sebuah negara  yang penduduknya cuma 900,000 ribu tetapi mempunyai pekerja asing seramai 3.5 juta orang.

Ertinya kebergantungan kepada pekerja asing ini telah menyebabkan ekonomi ini adalah ekonomi yang  bubble.Dalam keadaan itu, beberapa langkah yang lain yangkita ambil antaranya kita mengadakan job clearing system bersama-sama dengan Jabatan Tenaga Kerja Semenanjung Malaysia, Kementerian sumber Manusia. Dengan semua kementerian-kementerian berkaitan yang memberikan pengesahan untuk pengambilan pekerja-pekerja asing terutamanya dalam sektor perkhidmatan dan sektor perkilangan agar tenaga kerja tempatan dapat diberikan keutamaan. 

Manakala agensi kawal selia mengikut sektor masing-masing juga dirundingkan agar syarat  tertentu pengambilan pekerja asing ini dapat dipatuhi sepenuhnya. Kita juga menetapkan had umur pekerja asing hendaklah sekitar hanya daripada 18 hingga 45 tahun sahaja umur mereka. Kita juga tentunya bekerjasama dengan pihak MITI dan lain-lain juga melakukan kerja-kerja secara automasi bagi mengelakkan tenaga kerja asing dielakkan. Di samping itu saya harap semua pihak mengambil langkah positif untuk tidak menganggap blue-collar job, dengan izin sebagai pekerjaan yang tidak memberikan pulangan yang baik. Sebaliknya semua peluang pekerjaan sama ada berkolar putih atau berkolar biru harus dianggap sebagai kerja yang  halalan toyyibansupaya kita dapat memberikan peluang pekerjaan kepada rakyat negara kita ini. 

Tuan Fong Kui Lun [Bukit Bintang]:Terima kasih Tuan Yang di-Pertua, soalan tambahan. Lambakan pekerja asing sudah menjadi satuancam dan beban bagi negara dari segi keselamatan, jenayah, sosial, kebersihan, ekonomi dan sebagainya tetapi kerajaan gagal bertindak mengatasinya. Rakyat bimbang ia menjadi barah yang sukar dibendung bila dasar kerajaan tidak konsisten untuk menyekat kemasukan baru pekerja asing seperti dari Bangladesh mahupun Kemboja. Satu pihak kata sekat dan satu pihak kata  dibenarkan masuk. Soalan saya, apakah agenda sebenarnya kerajaan terhadap pekerja asing atau mengubah dasar dan syarat menjadi lebih tegas? Sejauh mana amalan rasuah dikesan berlaku dalam isu pekerja asing ini? Minta penjelasan, terima kasih. 

Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi:Yang Berhormat, saya ingin menyebutkan bahawa kadar jenayah yang dilakukan oleh pekerja asing hanya sekitar antara 10% hingga 15% sahaja, ertinya jangan salahkan 100% kepada pekerja asing. Pelaku-pelaku jenayah adalah rakyat tempatan. Yang Berhormat harus bekerjasama dengan saya untuk pembanterasan itu. Begitu juga agenda yang lebih tegas, saya fikir bagi menyelesaikan masalah ini bukan agenda pihak kerajaan sahaja. Bila ada permintaan tentu ada penawaran. 

Di dalam keadaan ini saya fikir apa yang harus kitalakukan, kita mesti mempunyai satu pelan jangka panjang yang perlu dibahaskan di dalam Dewan yang mulia ini dengan semua agensi-agensi dan pihak swasta supaya mereka juga mengakui hakikat bahawa keutamaan hendaklah diberikan kepada rakyat tempatan. Soal rasuah yang berlaku di dalam soal pengambilan pekerja asing ini, kalau Yang Berhormatmempunyai maklumat beritahu saya. Saya tidak akan pernah berkompromi dengan rasuah-rasuah,sama ada dilakukan oleh pegawai-pegawai di Kementerian Dalam Negeri atau oleh Jabatan Imigresen, jika ada atau mana-mana agensi serta individu yang mengaku mewakili KDN. Sila beri maklumat. Bukan sahaja kepada Ahli Yang Berhormat Bukit Bintang sahaja, kepada semua Ahli Yang Berhormat di Dewan yang mulia ini, saya tidak akan kompromi. Tindakan akan saya lakukan dengan kadar segera, terima kasih. 

Datuk Dr. Abdul Latiff Ahmad [Mersing]:  Tuan Yang di-Pertua, lama sudah tunggu hendak tanya soalan tambahan pada bos lama. Tuan Yang di-Pertua, saya hendak tarik perhatian Ahli-ahli Dewan, ada satu manifesto yang diwujudkanoleh Pakatan Rakyat jika mereka memerintah. Nasib baik mereka tidak memerintah iaitu manifesto Pakatan Rakyat berbunyi mewujudkan 1 juta peluang pekerjaan baru oleh rakyat Malaysia dengan cara mengurangkan 1 juta pekerja asing dalam sektor yang telah dinyatakan oleh Yang Berhormat Menteri sebentar tadi. 

Jadi, dalam kata mudah buang semua pekerja asing 1  juta bawa pekerja baru rakyat Malaysia ganti di sektor perladangan, pembinaan dansektor perkhidmatan. Adakah cadangan Pakatan Rakyat yang amat cerdik ini boleh dilaksanakan kerana Mersing lama juga duduk dalam Jawatankuasa Pekerja Asing yang dipengerusikan YangAmat Berhormat Timbalan Perdana Menteri. Jadi, saya hendak tanya Yang Berhormat Menteri, boleh atau tidak?  [Dewan riuh]Oleh sebab itu tidak bagi peluang. 

Kedua, antara halalan toyyibanini, yang halal dengan yang jadi tanpa izin ini amat mudah. Mereka tukar sektor sahaja ia sudah jadi haram. Saya hendak tanya sedikit kepada Yang Berhormat Menteri mengenai teknikal sedikit fasal levi kerana pungutan levi kepada pekerja asing agak banyak. 

Bila mereka sudah menjadi tidak tanpa izin, adakah mereka ini berhak mengeluarkan levi dan apakah proses untuk mengeluarkan levi ini mengambil kira setelah mereka betul-betul keluar daripada negara kerana ini adalah melibatkan pengaliran dana negara? Terima kasih. 

Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi:Tuan Yang di-Pertua, saya mengalu-alukan ucapan kalau bukan soalan daripada Yang Berhormat Mersing, mantan Timbalan Menteri Pertahanan ketika saya menjadi Menteri Pertahanan.  Jadi  insya-Allahakan naik semula sebagai Menteri. [Dewan riuh] 

Mengenai manifesto Pakatan Rakyat untuk mengurangkan pekerja asing, saya ingin menyebutkan bahawa manifesto itu baik. Akan tetapi seolah-olah seperti mengecat langit dan tidak berpijak di bumi yang nyata kerana tidak dapat dilaksanakan.  [Tepuk]Hanya kira-kira 15% sahaja manifesto yang telah dilontarkan dalam Pilihan Raya2008 telah dapat dilaksanakan sehingga Pilihan Raya 2013. Ertinya dengan izin, manifesto rubbish. [Tepuk]Jadi dalam perkara ini saya fikir janganlah buat janji baru dan saya fikir... 

Tuan M. Kulasegaran [Ipoh Barat]:Manifesto konkrit itu. 

Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi: Apa yang penting Yang Berhormat Ipoh Barat, kita hendaklah melakukan manifesto berdasarkan kepada realiti. Kita harap apa yang dilakukan oleh pihak kerajaan akan memuaskan hati semua pihak dan saya rasional dalam perkara ini sama ada bagi memenuhi kehendak pihak kerajaan ataupun pihak pembangkang. Apa yang penting ialah rakyat keseluruhannya supaya mendapat faedah.

Soalan yang kedua mengenai penukaran sektor. Ramai  di kalangan pekerja asing ini menukar sektor. Saya ambil contoh, daripada sektor  perladangan tukar kepada sektor perkhidmatan kerana sektor perkhidmatan menjanjikan gaji yang lebih. Apa yang sedang dilakukan oleh Kementerian Dalam Negeri dengan kerjasama Jabatan Imigresen dan juga Kementerian Sumber Manusia ialah memberikan kad biometrik. Kad pengenalan yang bercirikan biometrik dan juga ada  bar codeyang menandakan perbezaan warna kad berkenaan. Ambil contoh umpamanya dalam sektor perladangan, hijau umpamanya. Sektor perkhidmatan, biru muda umpamanya. Sektor perhotelan, merah umpamanya tetapi sektor lain warna biru. Dalam keadaan itu, levi yang dikenakan adalah berdasarkan kepada sektor-sektor berkenaan. Namun, jika mereka bertukar sektor contoh MoU yang telah ditandatangani dengan kerajaan Bangladesh jika pekerja mereka bertukar sektor, dendanya ialah sebanyak USD10,000. 

Ini adalah bagi menentukan bahawa hanya sektor-sektor tertentu sahaja yang dipenuhi. Kita mahu supaya siling-siling tertentu dapat dipatuhi oleh majikan-majikan dan saya harap negara-negara sumber dapat mematuhi garis-garis panduan yang telah ditentukan. 

Itulah sebabnya kita tidak mahu melayani semula peranan yang dimainkan oleh agensi pengambilan pekerja asing, sebaliknya pihak majikan diizinkan terus memohon, tidak melalui orang ketiga. Ini kerana orang ketiga ini lazimnya  mengaut keuntungan lebih banyak. Kita tidak mahu seolah-olah ada perniagaan hamba abdi berlaku di negara kita.