THE Human Resources Ministry will conduct a nationwide check of working conditions for Bangladeshi workers to address the issues mentioned in a letter written by a migrant rights activist that was sent to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. 

Its minister V. Sivakumar stressed that the move was to ensure there were no unfavourable environments and workers in debt bondage as alleged in the letter. 

“I view this matter seriously as I want to prevent actions outside of the law. 

“I also want anyone involved not to repeat things like this, and we want to avoid the occurrence of elements of forced labour in this country,” he told reporters in Gombak today. 

He was commenting on a local media report by activist, Andy Hall, who alleged that hundreds of Bangladeshi workers were unemployed and struggling in debt bondage in Malaysia. 

On the issue of Malaysians deceived by job scams abroad, Sivakumar explained that his ministry would continue to provide information to youth to ensure they did not fall for empty promises. 

He said his ministry, through Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd, made various efforts to ensure students entering the workforce knew of potential jobs in the country. It also created more opportunities in the field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to prevent dependence on foreign countries. 

He added that applications for admission to 1,334 TVET institutions nationwide for the January 2024 session are open until November 13. 

“I hope young people seize the opportunity to venture into the field of TVET, because the courses offered are tailored according to the needs of the labour market, thus guaranteeing employment opportunities in the future.” 

He added that the government had mainstreamed TVET skills training as the main option, by opening up opportunities for skills training to all Malaysians, regardless of race or socioeconomic status. 

Regarding the Jelajah Madani programme, Sivakumar said more than 1,000 job opportunities were offered to job seekers, involving 10 employers, in a continuous effort by the government to ensure job seekers found opportunities in various sectors. 

Also, 150 food baskets were distributed to the underprivileged and 10 laptops were given to outstanding students from underprivileged families. – Bernama, November 5, 2023.