Tenaganita: VVIPs should set example, not exploit domestic workers
A migrant rights group has expressed shock over Human Resources Minister R Ramanan's revelation that nearly 600 high-profile individuals, including national leaders, have failed to fulfil their Socso contribution obligations for domestic workers.
In a statement to Malaysiakini, Tenaganita described the finding as "disturbing" and urged Putrajaya to ensure the law is enforced transparently and consistently, without exception.
A migrant rights group has expressed shock over Human Resources Minister R Ramanan's revelation that nearly 600 high-profile individuals, including national leaders, have failed to fulfil their Socso contribution obligations for domestic workers.
In a statement to Malaysiakini, Tenaganita described the finding as "disturbing" and urged Putrajaya to ensure the law is enforced transparently and consistently, without exception.
"These are individuals who should be setting an example, not contributing to the very exploitation and neglect that domestic workers have endured for decades.
"If those entrusted with upholding the law cannot respect the rights of workers in their own homes, what message does this send to the rest of society?" it said, adding that Socso contributions are a basic legal obligation and not an act of generosity or charity.
Yesterday, Ramanan revealed that 598 high-profile individuals, including VVIPs, MPs and state assemblypersons, were among 10,033 employers of domestic workers found to have failed to comply with their Socso contribution obligations.
The figures were based on preliminary checks conducted by the agency as of Nov 1.
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Asked whether ministers were among the errant employers, Ramanan said, "There are even those higher than ministers".
He said the employers had until Dec 7 to fulfil their obligations, failing which they would be issued compounds.
Tenaganita also called on Malaysia to recognise domestic workers as workers entitled to equal rights and protection under labour laws.
This includes addressing their exclusion from key provisions of the Employment Act, as well as ensuring decent working conditions, fair wages, weekly rest days and effective mechanisms for redress, it said.
"Domestic workers need much more than social security.
"They need enforceable rights to fair wages, rest days, decent working conditions and access to redress and justice," it said, adding that Ramanan had an opportunity to bring about lasting structural change.
Exploitation of part-time cleaners
Separately, activist group Migrant Care called on the government to introduce legislation offering better protection for domestic workers, including those hired as part-time helpers or through cleaning service companies.
Migrant Care executive director Alex Ong said many such workers faced legal uncertainty, often operating in grey areas of the law that left them vulnerable to exploitation.
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"For example, maid-for-rent and maid-for-sale practices. Cleaning service companies can sell them as human commodities to end-users, yet their work permits still classify them as cleaners.
"Cleaners can be rented out to end-users on a monthly basis.
"There is no jurisdiction over house-to-house cleaning services. The Human Resources Ministry has no power over such businesses, which operate based on job orders rather than clearly defined work locations and eight-hour job descriptions.
"Regulatory deficits become a playground for human commodity trading, created by more than 2,000 private employment agencies," he said.
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Domestic Workers Deserve Dignity, Not Feudal Servitude Tenaganita deserves recognition for its longstanding campaign to defend the human rights of domestic workers. It is encouraging that the government is finally giving this issue the attention it deserves. That VVIPs should feature among those accused of exploiting domestic workers is hardly surprising. Throug⁶hout Southeast Asia, debt bondage, servitude and the exploitation of household labour have deep historical roots. In their modern manifestations, these practices often reproduce the inequalities and relationships of dependence associated with feudalism. The domestic worker, frequently a migrant woman, remains particularly vulnerable. Her employer may control her accommodation, working hours, freedom of movement and sometimes even her passport. When recruitment debts are added, the relationship can become one of coercion rather than freely contracted employment. Malaysia must recognise domestic service as a skilled and valued profession, not an extension of servitude. Domestic and household services should have a recognised place within the national Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system. Training should cover household management, childcare, elderly care, nutrition, hygiene, occupational safety and workers' rights. Qualifications should provide opportunities for career progression into professional caregiving, hospitality and other occupations. Domestic workers should also be fully covered by minimum-wage provisions, reasonable working hours, weekly rest days, social protection and enforceable employment contracts. Their immigration status must never become an excuse for exploitation. Indeed, domestic service could become a valuable entry point into the formal workforce and wider public life, particularly for young people and migrant workers seeking recognised qualifications. There is also a larger question of social values. A society cannot claim to be modern while tolerating feudal relationships behind the closed doors of privileged households. As for VVIPs implicated in abuse, their status must provide no immunity. Allegations should be independently investigated, and those found responsible should be prosecuted under the law. Name them when the evidence is established, and shame the conduct publicly. Public office, wealth and royal or political connections must never place anyone above the law. The measure of a civilised society is not how its powerful are treated, but how it protects those who work for them.
It’s ok. Malaysia has undang undang dua darjat. The “connected” always get off with a tap on the wrist. Madani Boleh!!!!
Is there any evidence the Govts AND the general populace give a damn for the many millions of migrants in the country. There is plenty of evidence of the opposite, the exploitation, cruelty, extortion that is commonplace, and not a squeak from the authorities past decades. Instead with chest pushed out it is crowed that, Oh, the natives dont do all the dirty, dangerous, difficult, etc., work. Not fit for humans, is it? AI, needless to say, in total slumber, his patented trademark.
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