One ministry too many?

2009/03/21

NST online

PUTRAJAYA: Only one ministry should be handling matters concerning migrant workers, Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam said yesterday.

"The problem now is two ministries are involved -- the Human Resources Ministry and the Home Ministry. If it is handled by so many people, we won't know who will take care of the specifics when problems crop up.

"It is time we go to the root of the problem and all indicators are that it is better to be sorted out by one ministry," he told the New Straits Times.

However, he stopped short of saying which ministry should deal with migrant labour.

Subramaniam said the matter had not been taken up with the cabinet despite the numerous problems over the years.
The Human Resources Ministry comes up with the number of foreign workers required and the Home Ministry gives approval for their entry into the country.

However, their roles get muddled when foreign workers are brought in legally but there are no jobs for them.

"We are looking at this issue and there has to be a solution, but that is for the future," said Subramaniam.

"For now, we are looking for ways to settle the problem of the 10,000 legal foreign workers who have been laid off, as claimed by the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC)."

A dialogue will be held next week between the ministry, Human Rights Commission and MTUC on the matter.

"Of course, we appreciate the priority given to local workers, but we cannot deny the rights of the foreign workers. They have come legally and probably paid a hefty sum to their agents.

"Sending them back will ruin their future."