As Malaysia is developing at a rapid pace, the demand for workers in certain sectors cannot be met by the locals. Industries that have a severe shortage of labour are the plantation, construction, service (maids), production and the food and beverage (restaurants) sectors. Thus, foreign labourers are sought after to fill the vacancies concerned.

I would like to bring your readers’ attention to those employed in the restaurants. As I enjoy eating out, I frequent various restaurants. Most of those employed in these restaurants are from overseas ie, India, Indonesia and quite a number of other nationals.

A significant number of these foreign restaurant workers seem to be rude, impolite, arrogant and give lacklustre service. We should note that these are the very same workers who are known to be polite, humble, hardworking and courteous when they were working back home.

What seems to be the cause of this state? Is it that some of them are exploited by their local employers so much so they show their grudges to the customers instead? Some workers claim that they have been asked to work longer hours than that agreed upon earlier.

Perhaps this leads them to suffer fatigue and distress in their work. Many of the restaurant operators tolerate the indifferent attitude of their foreign workers since it is quite difficult to get other workers for the skimpy wages they are offering.

Perhaps the tolerant and understanding attitudes of most Malaysians have been taken advantage of by most foreign workers. But there seem to be some element of truth in some foreign workers’ claim that there are unpaid wages which go beyond the tolerable level.

However, foreign workers should get rid of their negative attitude no matter what the excuse is. Instead, the foreign workers must voice out their grievances to their employers and try reaching an amicable solution through negotiations.

The screening of foreign workers should also be more stringent to ensure no change in their sector of employment other than the sector initially applied for by that foreign worker.

A similar scenario in other sectors involving foreign labourers is undeniable. There are many workers from our neighboring country employed as maids and. A small group of Indonesians recently staged a protest for the illogical reason of believing that our national anthem was copied from an Indonesian tune.

Even if it is true, logically, they should feel proud of it and not be angry. This clearly shows that they are trying to risk and jeopardise their country’s relationship with Malaysia. Perhaps it could be due to the fact that some of them are envious and jealous of Malaysia’s success.

The proportion of maids from this neighboring country in Malaysia is at a staggering 70% or more of the total number of maids in our country. Some are not happy with the maid issue and accuse some Malaysians of being ‘monsters’ and ‘Draculas’ who mistreat and exploit maids.

Even if the accusation is true, it only involves a minority of the maids. This scenario is definitely not only peculiar to Malaysia but is also experienced by other countries as well.

They should be aware that many Malaysians are paying more than the minimum amount set in appreciation of their maid’s work, sincerity and dedication. Many Malaysians treat their maids as part of their family.

However, it cannot be denied that some of the maids get into mischief and are disobedient. Some employers punish such maids in their own ways. Of course, some go overboard and if they get caught by the authorities, they instead are severely punished for that.

If the foreign workers are not happy with the treatment they get in Malaysia, they are free to go to any other country which might offer a better deal to them.

There are two lessons to be learnt here. One, the Malaysian employers should treat their foreign labour professionally and considerately and wages to foreign workers should be paid promptly.

And two, the foreign workers themselves should be courteous, polite and professional and execute their duties in a caring manner.