MTUC Penang Division calls upon the police, and the Ministry Of Human Resources, to commence an immediate investigation in respect of the claim of bonded labour by a group of workers from Tamil Nadu, India.
The claim, by the workers concerned, would tantamount to modern day slavery which our country cannot condone as we do not tolerate such uncivilsed and immoral conduct by employers. The employers involved, if investigations establishes the fact of bonded labour, must be made to face the full force of the law.
The claim by the workers involved that they were intimidated with physical harm is criminal in nature and the authorities ought to establish if it was a fact and, if so, commence appropriate action thereof.
Workers, irregardless of whether they are citizens of the country or not, must be accorded their rights to universally accepted labour standards. Any employer who behaves otherwise must be made accountable for their violiation of the law. They must pay for their crime!
MTUC Penang Division believes that the case in hand is only a dip in the ocean. We are also of the view that such cases occur because of weakness in the recuritment of migrant workers. On this score we welcome the Human Resources Minisrer's recent announcement of the termination of the middle man in employment of migrant workers. The said decision, we think, would eradicate the inhuman exploitation of migrant workers.
In conclusion we pray that the cause, of the Tamil Nadu bonded/slavery workers in Bentong Pahang, would not be sweept under the carpet by our police and the Ministry Of Human Resources.
K.VEERIAH
Secretary
Malaysian Trades Union Congress
Penang Division
0164184520