The Malaysian government has implemented numerous policies and laws to regulate and monitor the employment of foreign workers in the country. This study examines key issues related to relevant labour laws in Malaysia addressing the welfare and rights of foreign workers, primarily workers’ wages and deductions, levy and repatriation costs, insurance and medical benefits, passport retention, discrimination by employers and access to complaint mechanisms. Secondly, this study draws on several survey findings that indicate the existence of forced labour indicators that may amplify the vulnerability of foreign workers to abuse and exploitation. A survey was conducted to obtain perspectives on the rights and welfare of foreign workers in Peninsular Malaysia using a convenience sampling approach to collect relevant data. The study was undertaken among foreign workers with Visitor’s Pass (Temporary Employment) (Pas Lawatan Kerja Sementara, or PLKS) and employers of PLKS holders. The survey findings suggest that several aspects of foreign workers’ rights and welfare are not effectively protected, with some indicating the presence of forced labour indicators. In addition, two other findings are highlighted to indicate further the areas in which there is a lack of protection for the rights and welfare of foreign workers. The study provides several recommendations and suggests further qualitative studies to gather in-depth perspectives of foreign workers and employers. The findings can help develop effective policy and legal intervention strategies to improve the rights and welfare of foreign workers in Malaysia.
Despite the aspiration of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) which aims to provide inclusive and quality education for all, refugees remain to be left behind. Therefore, a support mechanism for this group of people is necessary. A baseline literacy study was conducted with 15 Rohingya youth refugees using a snowball sampling technique. Both qualitative and quantitative data collection instruments were used: baseline tests, interviews, and guided questionnaires. Following the findings, a framework emerged and was used as a guide for module development. The Ref-LitPsy Module aims to help youth refugees, specifically the Rohingyas, to function better in Malaysia as their host country. This researchbased module comprises two main components: a) Literacy and b) Psychospiritual. The former addresses basic English literacy specifically for non-Roman alphabetical background refugees while the latter assists refugees to cope with stress and losses associated with migration, and also to groom them in helping their community. This paper focuses on the first component, Literacy. The Ref-LitPsy module is divided into twelve structured units that are applied in psychospiritual counselling approach. The Ref-LitPsy module is beneficial for the long-term resettlement success of refugees by grooming social navigators to help themselves and the refugee community.
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