PILING and other preliminary works are underway for the construction of a centralised labour quarters for foreign workers (CLQ) at Kampung Baru Balakong industrial centre in Hulu Langat.
“Preliminary works such as clearing of construction site, installing hoarding and project signboards as well as related works are being carried out, while piling works started on Nov 1,” said Selangor local government, public transportation and new village development committee chairman Ng Sze Han.
“The Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) has approved the project’s planning permission, infrastructure plans and building plans.
“In addition, Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) has identified several strategic and suitable locations to be used as CLQ.
“The state government plans to organise a series of roadshows or dialogues with industry associations to explain the CLQ guidelines,” he said, adding that this was to ensure industry operators understood and received accurate information on the application process.
Ng said this in response to Wong Siew Ki’s (PH-Balakong) oral question on the status of CLQ project.
It was previously reported that MPKj held a groundbreaking ceremony for the CLQ in January.
The CLQ is aimed at housing foreign workers working in industrial areas in a planned and systematic manner as well as providing a conducive, quality and safe environment for them in the long-term.
“Planning permission for a project is typically granted for three years. However, I am unable to speak on behalf of the developer on the project’s construction progress,” said Ng in response to a supplementary question from Wong on the overall development time frame for the project’s completion.
Mohd Fakhrulrazi Mohd Mokhtar (PH-Meru) also asked a supplementary question on whether residential houses or housing estates could be used as dormitories for foreign workers due to the rampancy of such incidents in his constituency.
“Residential areas cannot be used as dormitories for foreign workers based on the latest guidelines,” said Ng.
“Only certain commercial centres or certain sites identified as suitable can be used for such purposes.”
Ng clarified that Selangor’s Centralised Labour Quarters guideline was adopted from an existing one by the Housing and Local Government Ministry (now known as Local Government Development Ministry).
He said that local councils also had their guidelines which combined requirements from both the ministry and Labour Department.
