Migrant worker quota abuse: It's time to resolve this, says PKR MP

A backbencher has urged the government, particularly three ministries, to resolve the abuse of the migrant worker quota system.

This comes after Malaysiakini exposed how several unscrupulous quarters abuse the system to reap enormous profits.

“The Home Ministry, Human Resources Ministry, and the Foreign Affairs Ministry must discuss and resolve the issue plaguing the migrant workers.

“The discussion must also include officers from the police and MACC,” said Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim to Malaysiakini.

Earlier today, Malaysiakini revealed the existence of syndicates which abuse the migrant worker quota system to reap millions in profits.

‘A to B syndicate’

Under the scheme, the “A to B” syndicate obtains a large number of migrant worker quotas and then sells or rents them to other companies.

Corrupt government officials were also claimed to be part of the syndicate, with those caught usually getting punished by being transferred to other departments.

Hassan lamented that the issue has been unaddressed for a long time, resulting in migrant workers being subject to abuse.

“In this scandal, the quota is sold off for huge profits while migrant workers get low pay and are treated like slaves.

“The exposé also shows that quota applications get approved not on the basis of merit but through political connections or forged documents,” he added.

The PKR lawmaker then urged the government to revamp laws on admitting migrant workers into the country.

“Ensure those who are engaged in this syndicate are slapped with heavier penalties.”

Earlier, PSM also criticised the government on the matter, saying many findings and recommendations have been submitted in the past to no avail.

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