PASIR GUDANG: The Integrated Centralised Labour Quarters (ICLQ) which is being developed at the industrial area here will become an example and module used for the development of foreign worker housing in Malaysia.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan said the ICLQ situated on a 6.5ha plot of land in Jalan Keluli 11 is the first foreign workers quarters in the country built based on Global Workers Accommodation Safety Standards.
He said the development of the ICLQ in Pasir Gudang not only guaranteed accommodations for these workers, it will guarantee their welfare, security and comfort besides facilitating monitoring and enforcement aspects of such forms of housing.
Saravanan said the first phase of the ICLQ's construction will be completed by October 2022, and it will consist of four blocks of hostels involving 222 units accommodating 8,000 workers.
The second phase of construction, which will begin after October 2022, will involve housing that will accommodate another 8,000 workers.
"This is the direction which the Human Resources Ministry is taking to ensure that foreign workers' housing will meet international standards, besides making sure that the workers' welfare is prioritised.
"For example, at the ICLQ, there will be amenities such as a clinic, automated teller machine (ATM), barber shop, convenience shop and an international remittance centre. The foreign workers will not need to go out of the area (for these services).
"The ICLQ initiative will ensure workers' movements can be controlled, prevent any overcrowded, cramped and dirty accommodations besides providing us (authorities) with the ability to adhere to public housing, security and health standards. This will help prevent diseases especially Covid-19," he said.
Saravanan was speaking at a press conference after launching the ICLQ, which will be the first in Malaysia, at the Pasir Gudang industrial area today.
He said the development of the ICLQ is in accordance with the government's commitment to ensure employers adhere to the Workers' Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446).
"So far, the ministry has approved 628 Centralised Labour Quarters (CLQs) nationwide to accommodate 90,256 foreign workers, and these are currently still under construction.
"Another 360 CLQs are in the planning phase to accommodate 31,500 foreign workers," he said.