PSM: Nepali workers’ protest a cry for help
Published: Jan 17, 2014 6:10 PM | Updated: Jan 17, 2014 6:38 PM
After three deaths in a month, a Nepali factory workers protest last week in Kedah may just be a serious cry for help, Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM) said.
After three deaths in a month, a Nepali factory workers protest last week in Kedah may just be a serious cry for help, Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM) said.
About 200 Nepali workers of a plank factory in Pokok Sena gathered in front of their employer’s house, demanding him to take immediate action to help a worker who suffered breathlessness at the workers’ hostel.
Policemen arrived and dispersed the workers while arresting three, believed to be their leaders.
Some media reports later trivialised the matter as Nepali workers demanding for the employer to engage a shaman to drive away the evil spirits, which they believed were responsible for the deaths.
PSM Youth secretary general Edwin Michael begged to differ.
"We urge the authorities to launch an investigation into the factory employer to ensure that the death of the four immigrant workers are free from elements of modern slavery and exploitation.
“At the same time, the police must drop charges against the three arrested Nepali workers," Edwin said in a statement.
Edwin noted that in Malaysia, there were about 3.5 million migrant workers, and they make up as much as 30 percent of the labor force.
He said that most suffered from low pay, hard work and were given uncomfortable accommodation and sadly, some employers treated their workers like animals.
As many live in these conditions, any protest from the Nepali workers must draw a serious investigation of not only the workers but also their employers, Edwin emphasised.
About 200 Nepali workers of a plank factory in Pokok Sena gathered in front of their employer’s house, demanding him to take immediate action to help a worker who suffered breathlessness at the workers’ hostel.
Policemen arrived and dispersed the workers while arresting three, believed to be their leaders.
Some media reports later trivialised the matter as Nepali workers demanding for the employer to engage a shaman to drive away the evil spirits, which they believed were responsible for the deaths.
PSM Youth secretary general Edwin Michael begged to differ.
"We urge the authorities to launch an investigation into the factory employer to ensure that the death of the four immigrant workers are free from elements of modern slavery and exploitation.
“At the same time, the police must drop charges against the three arrested Nepali workers," Edwin said in a statement.
Edwin noted that in Malaysia, there were about 3.5 million migrant workers, and they make up as much as 30 percent of the labor force.
He said that most suffered from low pay, hard work and were given uncomfortable accommodation and sadly, some employers treated their workers like animals.
As many live in these conditions, any protest from the Nepali workers must draw a serious investigation of not only the workers but also their employers, Edwin emphasised.
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