Foreign workers in Malaysia face many problems in hostels, including poor living conditions, exploitation, and lack of enforcement:
- Poor living conditions
Hostels can be overcrowded, unhygienic, and unsafe. For example, one raid found that a hostel had thin mattresses, no ventilation, and unsafe wiring. - Exploitation
Foreign workers can be subjected to low pay, forced labor, and human trafficking. They can also be exploited through gendered and racialized segregation, which can intensify labor control. - Lack of enforcement
There is a shortage of enforcement officers in the human resource ministry, and they may not have the modern technology to oversee conditions. - Lack of awareness
Foreign workers may not know their rights in Malaysia. - Social problems
Cultural differences can lead to social problems like gang fights, break-ins, and dishonesty at work.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the poor living conditions of migrant workers and brought attention to the need for action. Some solutions include:
- Enforcing existing legislation
- Increasing the role of local councils, embassies, and labor inspectors
- Requiring industrial developments to include workers’ accommodation within walking distance of their workplaces
