M’sians Rally Behind Foreign Worker Sentenced to 26 Months in Jail for Beating Up Boss Over Alleged Unpaid Wages

A Bangladeshi worker was sentenced to 26 months in jail after he pleaded guilty to 3 charges, including assault and causing damages.

According to a report by Berita Harian, 25-year-old Rofiq was charged at the Yong Peng Courthouse in Johor, with intentionally causing injuries to his boss, a 33-year-old man, at 10pm on December 7.

Additionally, he was charged with making criminal threats to the point of causing fear on the same day as the assault as well as damaging 20 saplings belonging to the company where he works, causing a loss of RM6,000, on December 8.

This comes after the Bangladeshi man had argued with his boss over the issue of unpaid wages.

Serves the employer right?

However, Malaysians are sharing their support and showing their sympathies for the Bangladeshi worker, as they believe the man’s anger was justified due to his unpaid wages.

“He probably wants to send money back home but (the employer) didn’t pay his salary. Of course, he would get angry. If (the employer) cannot afford to pay the salary, they should do the work themselves.”

“Stupid employer. People work until they’re half dead and they don’t get paid? Of course (the employer) deserves to get beaten up. He didn’t get paid and he has to go to jail, adoi.”

“Pity him, he’s being wronged by the employer who didn’t pay him. Did the judge ask about the damages suffered by the worker and his family due to the unpaid wages? Compared to the RM6,000 loss by the employer? Who will bear the burdens of this worker’s family while he’s in prison? While the employer is let go and can continue to exploit others.”

Serve the employer with legal action?

Malaysians have also called for action to be taken against the employer for allegedly not paying the worker’s salary.

“Can the police not arrest the employer for mistreating his worker by not paying his salary?”

What do you think about this? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.

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