In Cheras, 93 Bangladeshis were left stranded without jobs and living in poor conditions by their employers, who have now been banned from hiring any more foreign workers. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim announced this in a joint statement, stating that this was one of the stern actions taken against the employer. The ministries began investigating the case on Feb 22 after it was brought to light.
Records show that Syarikat Pembinaan Ricoler Sdn Bhd brought in the foreign workers in November 2023. Following an operation and investigation into the case, both ministries have taken decisive actions, including freezing the remaining quota and will investigate Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (Atipsom) Act 2007 [Act 670]. They will also take action as per the Passport Act 1966 [Act 150] for holding the workers’ passports and the Employment Act 1955 [Act 265] for failure to pay wages.
The employers will also face action under the Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodation and Employee Facilities Act 1990 [Act 446] for not providing accommodation facilities. They neglected the welfare of the stranded workers in terms of their housing and food. All the rescued victims were taken to the Immigration Department in Putrajaya for documentation before being brought before the Magistrate to obtain an Interim Protection Order.
Both ministries warned all employers who hire foreign workers to prioritize their welfare and abide by the laws. During the operation, the Home Ministry joined forces with officers from the National Strategic Office of the Council for Anti-Trafficking in Persons (NSO Mapo). Almost 100 Bangladeshi workers have been without jobs since November last year after arriving in Malaysia.
These workers paid recruitment fees ranging from RM19,500 to RM21,700 to secure jobs in Malaysia with promises of good living facilities and high salaries. The government’s actions against the negligent employer serve as a reminder to other employers to treat their foreign workers with respect and care by complying with the laws and providing proper accommodation and wages.
