Ex-MP urges for binding pact with Bangladesh to protect workers

Summary

• Former Klang MP Charles Santiago urges the federal government to clarify if they are open to negotiating a new and transparent labour agreement with Bangladesh.

• He says the government needs to have a binding bilateral agreement instead of a mere memorandum of agreement to prevent forced labour activities.

• Charles’ call comes on the heels of Bangladesh’s new government’s threat to freeze worker recruitment if Malaysia refuses to review an agreement signed in 2021.

Former DAP MP Charles Santiago today urged Putrajaya to move away from using a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to facilitate labour recruitment from Bangladesh.

In a statement, he claimed the current MOU between the countries is weak and has allowed trafficking syndicates to exploit workers.

Instead, the former Klang lawmaker said the country should have a binding bilateral labour agreement that can safeguard migrant worker welfare.

“Recruitment cartels profit because MOUs are toothless. No fines. No license revocation. No recourse for workers who are forced into slavery-like conditions.

“A binding pact means real penalties, transparency, and zero costs for workers.

“Bangladesh and Malaysia must wake up. Without a binding agreement, syndicates will keep trafficking workers, industries will keep bleeding cash, and Malaysia will keep facing global disgrace.

“It’s time to crush cartels and end modern slavery for good,” Charles said.

According to him, Bangladeshi workers had to fork out between RM20,000 and RM30,000 each just to secure jobs in Malaysia.

This forced workers into debt before they even set foot in Malaysia, he said.

He pointed out that forced labour scandals have caused many Malaysian companies to face international legal repercussions, including US import bans and European Union fines.

“Malaysia must clarify whether it is refusing to negotiate a new, open, transparent labour agreement with Bangladesh.

“The government owes it to workers, employers, and the public to show real leadership and fix a fundamentally flawed system that breeds corruption.”

Charles’ statement followed a warning from Bangladesh’s current government that it might freeze worker recruitment if Malaysia refuses to change their agreement signed in 2021.

Bangladesh warns of worker freeze if M'sia refuses agreement changes

'Get jobs for stranded Bangladeshi workers before recruiting more'

M'sia committed to zero exploitation of Bangladeshi workers: Saifuddin

Immigration dept shifts focus to negligent employers