Provide proper accommodation

Poor living conditions: The hostel in Taman Aman Perdana is stuffy and dirty. - filepic

THE authorities have come under fire for turning a blind eye to the poor living conditions of some 5,000 foreign workers housed in shoplots in Taman Aman Perdana, Meru in Klang.

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) expressed concern over their terrible living conditions.

Suhakam commissioner James Nayagam said it was not right for workers to be housed in shoplots and offices.

He said employers should ensure their workers are given proper accommodation as stipulated in the rules and regulations of their working permit.

“We cannot allow people to live in shops. These workers have the right to be housed in proper hostels,’’ he said,

On Wednesday, StarMetro highlighted that shoplots at the commercial centre have been turned into hostels.

It was reported that the foreign workers were occupying almost the entire ground and upper floors of about 150 shoplots in the commercial centre.

These shop-hostels have between 60 and 80 workers living in a unit. Two people have to share the use of one bed. A worker, who only wished to be known as Jamal, said that he and his friend took turns to sleep on the bed as they worked 12-hour shifts, said the report.

Aman Perdana Residents Association A. Maniam claimed the Klang Municipal Council (MPK) had failed to act despite numerous complaints.

He said the council had allowed the commercial centre to be turned into a foreign workers “colony.”

“The council’s lack of enforcement has allowed the problem to grow into a worrisome situation,” he added.

Maniam questioned why MPK had failed to act against the agents or the foreign workers’ employers for putting them up in shoplots.

He said the council had also failed to provide regular cleaning services.

“The place is messy and rubbish is everywhere,’’ he added.