Human Resources Minister Dr Fong Chan Onn was today told to 'come down from his ivory tower' and see the problems plaguing migrant workers on the ground.

Taking the minister to task over his statement yesterday that Malaysia has a culture of paying its workers, Tenaganita director Irene Fernandez said this is far removed from reality.

Testimony to this is her organisation's case management programme, which reveals that of the 600 case files involving 1,200 migrants, non-payment of wages topped the list, followed by unfair dismissal.

"The data clearly reveals that Malaysian employers, especially in the construction and small and medium industries and in the sub-contracted labour system do not have the culture of paying workers as claimed by Fong," she said in a statement.

Fernandez also advised the minister to talk to his officers who have received complaints from documented migrant workers.

Unfair system

She said the minister should be aware that employers of documented workers know they can shirk their responsibilities as migrant workers are denied a visa to legalise his or her stay in the country should the person decide to pursue legal redress.

"If this is the system of no redress for undocumented workers, it is impossible for the undocumented worker," she added.

She said if Fong is determined to develop the culture of paying workers, then he must ensure that they have the right to stay in the court if their cases go to court.

Last week, Indonesia's Labour and Transmigration Minister Fahmi Idris claimed that about 100,000 Indonesian illegal migrant workers are refusing to return home as they have not been paid wages by their Malaysian employers.

It was to this that Fong responded by saying that Malaysia has a culture of paying all employees.