After migrant workers freeze, MTUC proposes RM2,700 living wage for locals
The latest freeze in the recruitment of migrant workers and more restrictions against those already employed here have opened up more job opportunities to be taken up by locals.
To encourage take-up of the jobs, the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) has reportedly proposed a living wage of RM2,700, particularly for workers in the big cities...
The latest freeze in the recruitment of migrant workers and more restrictions against those already employed here have opened up more job opportunities to be taken up by locals.
To encourage take-up of the jobs, the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) has reportedly proposed a living wage of RM2,700, particularly for workers in the big cities.
Online portal Free Malaysia Today quoted MTUC's secretary-general J Solomon as saying the living wage is among measures that could be taken by government and employers to ensure there is no labour shortage in sectors with a high number of migrant workforce.
"If workers are paid better, and if working conditions improved, there will be no problem in getting locals to do the jobs foreigners usually work in.
"Thousands of Malaysians work dirty, dangerous and difficult (3D) jobs every day overseas, from Singapore to Australia to South Korea," he argued.
Human Resources Minister M Saravanan had previously announced the freeze as part of a government's bid to boost employment opportunities for local workers affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, however, had reportedly voiced concern that a blanket ban could stifle the expansion of some industries.
Solomon (above) further said the government should work towards a living wage based on the costs of living in an area.
"For example, for those working in KL, Johor Baru and Penang, the basic take-home pay should not be less than RM2,000.
"Which means their gross pay should be at least RM2,700," he said.
Beyond a living wage, Solomon said workers in the "3D" jobs should be employed on a full-time basis rather than short-term contracts, so that they would be entitled to benefits such as EPF contributions, Socso protection, medical coverage and accommodation, among others.
"The labour department should also be effective in their inspections and enforcing labour laws that protect the workers," he was quoted as saying.
Migrant workers employed in major sectors including construction and manufacturing are now subjected to extra restrictions enforced as part of the government's bid to contain the Covid-19 outbreak.
At the administrative level, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall also enforced a ban against migrant workers from working at the Kuala Lumpur wholesale market, and the vacancies were reportedly taken up by locals.
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