KUALA LUMPUR: Imposing penalties on companies who bring in foreign workers but fail to provide them with jobs is crucial in deterring such practices.
Parti Kongres Keadilan India Malaysia president Shanmugam Ramiah said this in turn would safeguard the rights of foreign workers.
"I fully support the suggestion by Plantations and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani to impose a fine on these companies. This will put a stop to those unscrupulous agents and companies who bring in these foreign workers," said Shanmugam in a post on his Facebook page.
Last week, Johari proposed that companies be fined up to RM30,000 for each foreign worker brought in who is not employed after a month.
He said strict punishment would force companies to reconsider bringing in workers if they could not guarantee employment.
"Foreign workers are only allowed into the country based on the approved quota for the company. But some of the companies are selling the quota, which by law is an offence," said Shanmugam.
He said when foreign migrant workers arrive in Malaysia with the promise of jobs, only to find themselves resorting to odd jobs for survival, the ramifications are far-reaching.
"These foreign workers borrowed money from moneylenders in their country because they are promised a job with good salary in Malaysia.
"From being legal (immigrants), they become illegal (immigrants) and when they are jobless, they start working in wet markets, 'pasar malam', restaurants and for petty traders and be mindful these migrant workers don't pay taxes and have no work permits.
"It's a loss of income for our country ," said Shanmugam.
He said this is also a form of human trafficking, forced labour and modern slavery and these irresponsible people were tarnishing and damaging the image of Malaysia.
Besides financial penalties, revocation of licenses and being blacklisted, these companies should also compensate the foreign workers for all financial losses, including coverage for recruitment fees, travel expenses and other related costs.
"We should also Impose a ban on companies with a history of deception as this would protect potential foreign workers from repeat offenders and ensure a safer recruitment environment."