MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
WE refer to the recent reports in the media on the discovery of squalid living conditions for foreign workers in several large manufacturing companies in the Klang Valley. The Academy of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Malaysia (AOEMM) views the situation as a serious issue that warrants attention, urgent action and a strong commitment from all stakeholders.
As our country progresses into the 21st century, there continues to be a heavy reliance on foreign workers for 3D (dirty, dangerous and difficult) jobs. According to data from the Home Affairs Ministry, as of June 30,2019 there were a total of 2,002,427 foreign workers in Malaysia, of whom 699,430 (34.9%) and 438,264 (21.9%) were in the manufacturing and construction sectors respectively. There are also many undocumented foreign workers who may be in the same situation.
