KUALA LUMPUR: The influx of foreign workers in the country has caused uneasiness among the public, particularly on their attitude towards the cultures and norms of locals.
Magazine editor Edison Kadir, 32, was of the view that employers should be responsible for educating migrant workers on the awareness of maintaining self-discipline in public.
He said foreign workers should be given a course or briefing on practising good cleanliness habits at the workplace as well as in public areas.
“In addition, he said local authorities and the Immigration Department should also place more enforcement officers in the federal capital to monitor the activities of these foreign nationals.
“If they are found guilty of throwing litter and spitting, enforcement officers can take action against them,” he told Bernama. Public relations officer Azlan Naif, 27, said it was a problem when migrant workers failed to understand the norms and culture of the local community.
He said it was important to practise good etiquettes in public, regardless of one’s background.
“Most of them (foreigners) like to talk with a strong tone, disregarding the the person next to them, it is an inappropriate and disrespectful act,” he said.
Agreeing to the proposal to provide special classes to foreigners who wished to work in the country, Azlan said it should be done as soon as possible.
He said the respective foreign embassies could play an important role in educating these workers to understand the culture and ethics of the local community.
“The actions of some of them who like to jump the queue for example, is basic manners, we do not need a class to teach them to line up,” he said.
Meanwhile, an administrative division staff in a private company Sara Ling, 24, said the government should ensure foreign workers were well-prepared in terms of discipline and health before allowing them into the country.
“For example, the parties responsible for managing the entry of foreign workers should brief them about proper hygiene and vaccination, so as to avoid introducing any unwanted illnesses or unhealthy habits in the country,” she said.