The plight of illegal migrant workers has reached a critical level in the country principally due to the bad attitude of their employers.

Suhakam commissioner N Siva Subramaniam said today that the uncaring attitude of employers has reflected badly on the Malaysian government.

There are now cases when legally employed migrant workers become illegal immigrants because unscrupulous employers would confiscate their documents and personal effects.

Documents such as passport, identity card, letter of approval from both countries and personal belongings such as mobile phone were confiscated.

"Thus, legally 'documented' immigrant workers became 'undocumented'," said Subramaniam, adding that some employers also forced these workers to work for them and in the process, treat them like slaves.

Employers are able to do this because of the weaknesses in policy implementation of working permits for these foreign workers.

"Permits only enable them to work for one employer resulting in them being bonded with the employer," he told a press conference at Suhakam headquarters this morning.

Stern action

Subramaniam quoted the case of a Sri Lankan immigrant worker, Elaya Thambia Mohammed 26, who previously worked as a cleaner.

He said that Elaya's employer refused to pay him wages and was only given allowance during festive seasons such as Hari Raya and Deepavali. His documents were also taken away from him.

He said that the worker then lodged a police report at Sentul police station on Nov 18. He is currently staying in a mosque at Jalan Masjid India.

The Suhakam commissioner urged the government to consider the plight of these workers seriously as it has reached a critical level in the country.

"Stern action must be taken by the related government agencies to prevent the situation from worsening," he said.

On the batch of students who could not continue their studies at the Damai Service Hospital Nursing School which was operating without the Health Ministry approval, Subra announced that eight of them will continue their studies in Hospital Fatimah, Ipoh.

"However, seven students are still on the waiting list on where they will be relocated," he added.