The Johor government has given developers, contractors, and manufacturers two months to resolve the issue of migrant worker housing by placing them in registered Centralised Labour Quarters (CLQ), following complaints about the placement of foreign workers in public settlements. According to State Youth, Sports, Entrepreneur Development, Cooperatives and Human Resources Committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah, this directive was issued in accordance with the Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodation and Employee Facilities Act 1990 (Act 446).
Mohd Hairi emphasized the seriousness of the issue, stating that the Johor government will not compromise when dealing with problems related to foreign worker placement, as these issues can contribute to a lack of confidence among foreign investors who wish to invest in Johor. He also mentioned that the issue has the potential to lead to forced labor, which tarnishes the image of the state and the country as a whole.
Mohd Hairi noted that the placement issue of foreign workers also involves workers at the Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) construction site. He added that until December last year, 305 workers from three appointed construction companies were placed outside the CLQs in areas such as Taman Wadi Hana, Taman Abad, Stulang Laut, and Jalan Bukit Meldrum.
“Until yesterday, a total of 401 workers have been placed at the CLQs, which can accommodate a maximum of 1,200 workers at a time,” said Mohd Hairi, citing information from MRT Corp management. He also confirmed that the CLQs are fully equipped and free of charge for both companies and employees.
Mohd Hairi further stated that local authorities in each district have been instructed to identify the location of foreign workers living in public settlements and to carry out integrated operations with the Johor Labour Department starting in May. This effort aims to ensure that there are no more foreign workers staying in public settlements.
The directive is part of a larger effort in Malaysia to create centralised housing for migrant workers, with similar initiatives being implemented in Negri Sembilan, Klang, and Penang. These efforts align with international standards and regulations regarding the living conditions of migrant workers, aiming to improve the well-being of this demographic within the country. Efforts like these are essential for ensuring the fair treatment and humane living conditions of all workers, regardless of their nationality or immigration status.
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