KUALA LUMPUR: Employers who exploit their migrant workers will be held responsible and face stiffer penalties and heavier fines soon.
Minister in Prime Minister's Department Datuk Paul Low Seng Kuan said the government will be more proactive in safeguarding and taking care of the welfare of migrant workers in the country.
This move, he said, will be effective next month.
"We are finding ways to safeguard the rights of the people and these include the welfare and rights of foreign workers here.
"One of the concrete measures that we hope will take effect by January, next year is where employers who exploit migrant workers will be held responsible of their actions.
"We will ensure employers pay the required minimum wage and provide accommodation as per the International Labour Organisation standard. They must not hold the employees passports. This is an infringement to their rights.
"And of course, employers must be responsible for the whole welfare of their migrant workers unlike today where they shift the responsibility to the government," he told reporters after delivering an opening speech at the commemoration of the Human Rights Day 2015 here today.
Citing an example, Low said if a foreign worker runs away, the employers are not concerned of their whereabouts.
"This should not be the case. The onus shouldn’t be solely on the government.
"By imposing stiffer penalties and large fine, it will deter or prevent employers from abusing foreign workers," said Low, who is in charge of governance, human rights and integrity.
On measures taken to prevent custodial deaths and abuse, Low said his ministry and relevant agencies are helping the police to revamp themselves and beef up their internal affairs.
"Police need a mindset change and consider human rights at all junctures. This will prevent custodial deaths and abuse.
"Hence, we are proposing for human rights topic to be part of their training."
Asked on the Special Committee on Corruption who expressed its unhappiness that its recommendations to amend laws on corruption have yet to be tabled in parliament, Low said: "All this is currently in works."