Foreign workers: Former human resources minister calls for better working conditions

PETALING JAYA (Dec 15): Former human resources minister M Kula Segaran (pictured) has called on the government to “work towards improving working conditions” for migrant workers Malaysia, FMT News reported today.

He said this in light of a Top Glove employee who died of Covid-19 recently, who Kula added “could have been saved if only early action had been taken”.

Kula, who is also lawmaker for Ipoh Barat added that “the Nepali security guard’s death could have been avoided if he had been treated earlier”.

Reports say the guard was already at a late stage of Covid-19 infection when he arrived at the hospital.

“There has been a lot of disregard for International Labour Organization declarations on equality through decent working conditions although Malaysia has agreed to them in 2019,” the news portal reported Kula saying.

“In conversations with people from various industries, I hear about incidents where foreign workers who are sick are not given immediate medical attention, sometimes leading to unnecessary death.

“Many foreign workers do not have their own transportation and have to walk long distances to seek medical attention. They cannot afford to fall sick because they cannot afford hospital charges, which are higher for foreigners,” he added.

FMT News also noted in its report that back in December 2018, Kula, (who was then still human resources minister) defended Top Glove against claims that employees were being overworked and faced unsuitable conditions.

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