KUALA LUMPUR: The issue of alleged exploitation of foreign workers, said to be occurring against workers from Western Asian countries in Malaysia, will be resolved by the Madani government, says Communication Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
Additionally, he said, the government will hold a special meeting with the Home Minister and Human Resources Minister on Jan 16 to address the issue.
He added that the initiatives are in line with the Malaysia Madani concept without compromising the sovereignty of the country's laws.
"Foreign workers collect money to pay for permits, thinking they will have job opportunities in Malaysia. When they arrive, it turns out they have been deceived. There are no jobs available for them.
"Who loses? The foreign workers. They've spent money to come to Malaysia and paid for everything, but don't get any jobs.
"Who benefits from it? The so-called "employer" who supposedly offers the job
"This is a cruel exploitation that violates human rights. Under the Madani government, this exploitation will be eradicated," he said in a posting on X, yesterday.
He emphasised that heavy punishments await employers involved with such an issue.
"Seven actions will be taken against employers like this, including penalty payments, cancellation of the remaining quota for foreign workers of the employer, and blacklisting the employer from any dealings with the Immigration Department."
On Dec 20, 171 Bangladeshis walked to a police station to try to lodge a report against their agent, who allegedly failed to provide them with jobs after three to six months, in Kota Tinggi, Johor.
The men were detained that day and handed over to the Immigration Department for overstaying, but they had entered the country with valid documents.
The company responsible for bringing them in has been blacklisted, with its remaining quotas revoked and will face legal actions under relevant laws.