Malaysia is a popular destination for the recruitment and employment of migrant workers. Although the Department of Immigration keeps records of all migrants with valid work permits, estimating the real stock and flow of migrant workers in the country is difficult due to the fluidity and relatively large presence of undocumented workers. The studies on the countries of destination indicate a continuing reliance in short and medium terms on unskilled labour, within which semi- and skilled workers are mostly included. Recruitment commences in the origin countries when there is an initial inquiry or job order from the Malaysian recruiting agents or employers, with only minor variation. The semi-skilled workers are largely employed in the manufacturing, construction and service sectors. Numerous deaths of migrant workers are reported every year.  The Ministry of Health has decided to launch an investigation into the real cause of their demise, especially in cases where an apparently healthy person goes to bed only to be found dead the following morning.

Published on: 5 September 2017 | The Himalayan Times