Complaints about migrant workers in Johor most commonly involved fights, noise

ISKANDAR PUTERI – Complaints about fights, noise disturbances and poor hygiene are among the most common issues involving migrant workers in Johor, the state assembly sitting was told today.

State Youth, Sports, Entrepreneur Development, Cooperatives and Human Resources committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah said these disturbances occurred at migrant workers’ dormitories, among other places.

He said local authorities (PBT), especially the Kulai Municipal Council, received many complaints on harassment involving migrant workers.

“The PBT Enforcement Division often collaborates with the Johor Labour Department (JTK) in addressing public nuisance involving migrant workers, especially in housing areas where these workers live.

“Enforcement operations are conducted based on complaints received and also regular monitoring carried out by PBT and JTK,” he said in response to an oral question from Datuk Mohd Fuad Tukirin (Bukit Naning-Umno) during the sitting at Bangunan Sultan Ismail, Kota Iskandar here.

Fuad wanted to know about issues involving migrant workers in the state and the role of factory operators in ensuring safety regulations are adhered to.

Hairi (Larkin-Umno) said the Employees’ Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations and Amenities Act 1990 outlines that employers must comply with the criteria in housing workers in addition to complying with the relevant regulations.

“Safety and health are not limited to the place of work but need to be extended to the accommodation area when going to and returning from work and around the place of work.

“Socso (Social Security Organisation) statistics also show that two out of three fatal accidents that occur every day involve individuals commuting to work,” he said. – Bernama, December 7, 2022