KUANTAN: The Pahang government is mulling building centralised labour quarters (CLQ) as a long-term solution to provide conducive living conditions for foreign workers.
State Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee chairman Sim Chon Siang said the only setback was the absence of investors or operators to build the CLQs, but the state government is always prepared to lend a hand.
"Pahang does not have any CLQs like those offered in Penang, Johor and Selangor but we encourage anyone keen to set up such facilities in Pahang to get in touch with the local authorities and Labour Department. They can also meet me as I am prepared to help.
"Providing immigrant workers with standard accommodation through such initiatives (CLQ), will not only ensure worker safety and comfort during their employment but pave the way for industrial sector growth in the state," he told reporters at KotaSAS here today.
Sim was met after opening the labour education programme and presenting certificates to employers who fulfilled the requirements set by the Workers' Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446)
It is compulsory for employers to provide accommodation with certain requirements that meets the minimum standard set under the Act.
Meanwhile, Sim said building CLQs at selected locations will ensure better coordination in terms of foreign workers safety and their employers will no longer be required to rent houses in residential areas.
"Sometimes, there are complaints from house owners when huge group of migrants occupy the units at housing areas. Building CLQs will help overcome all these issues as they will be staying under one roof.
"Foreign workers hired in different sectors can occupy the CLQ and usually a fee will be charged to the company who employs them," he said.
Meanwhile, Sim said the state Labour Department will conduct regular inspections at premises used as foreign workers' hostels to ensure employers comply with Act 446 to safeguard their workers' welfare in terms of health and safety.
He said the department has conducted seven large scale operations between January and May this year, and issued 11 compounds.
"The department will usually give a stern warning during their first visit before returning to issue a fine of up to RM50,000 for each offence if the employers fail to comply. The offence includes failure to provide proper mattresses and locked cupboards," he said.