The government has announced that they have blacklisted a construction firm in Cheras, after they were found to have recruited 93 Bangladeshi workers only to abandon them without jobs.
The construction firm also apparently disregarded the Bangladeshi workers’ welfare by not providing them with proper accommodation and sustenance (food and water).
Human Resource Minister, Steven Sim Chee Keong, took to his Twitter page to share a statement in regards to this, as well as to share the the many other punishments that apply.
He wrote, “Not just that, sir. There are 6 strict actions other than the ‘blacklist’.”
“For the Ministry of Human Resources, legal action under Act 446 and Act 265 will be taken. For the Ministry of Home Affairs, legal action under Act 670 and Act 150 will be taken. Act 670 is an anti-trafficking in persons Act.”
Only a blacklist?
This comes after many believed that the government had only blacklisted the company despite the human rights violations that come with their actions of recruiting and then abandoning the foreign workers without much regard for their well being.
“Pay (the foreign workers) compensation for their losses. Blacklisting is not enough.”
This allegedly comes after Independent Migrant Worker Rights Specialist Andy Hall brought to light a total of 104 foreign workers that had been abandoned in Cheras since last November (2023), after they had apparently paid up to RM21,700 in recruitment fees.
These foreign workers were also apparently promised high-paying jobs and good facilities.
What do you think about this? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
