Reassuring decent working conditions, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Friday said his government would give immediate attention to the fresh entry of 18,000 Bangladeshi workers to Malaysia in the first phase subject to all conditions are met.
“We have discussed the whole system. And we have gone through very transparent procedures. We need workers but they can’t be treated as modern slaves no matter if they are from Bangladesh or other countries. I said this publicly in the past like now,” he said while responding to a question during a joint press appearance with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.
Anwar, who led a 58-member delegation, arrived in Dhaka on a short visit at the invitation of the Chief Adviser Professor Yunus.
He, however, reminded Bangladesh to remain careful and distinguish things urging not to defend criminal actions by anyone – either Malaysians or foreigners in Malaysia. Chief Adviser Prof Yunus expressed his gratitude to the Malaysian Prime Minister on behalf of all the people of the country for making this announcement on the worker issue.
An estimated 800,000 Bangladeshis now live and work in Malaysia.
Both the heads of the states discussed exploring the possibilities of signing new agreements and memorandum of Understandings on agriculture, energy, education, halal economy, semi-conductor, blue economy, science innovation, defence and youth development sectors.
“We also discussed the possibility of sending more workers and professionals from Bangladesh to Malaysia with multiple entry visas for them,” Prof Yunus said.
During the press conference, Anwar said that he would certainly consider the issue of 18000 Bangladeshi workers who missed a deadline to enter Malaysia as soon as possible in the first phase, given that all conditions for entry to that country are met.
These Bangladeshi migrant workers could not reach Malaysia before May 31, when the deadline for workers to enter the Southeast Asian country ended.
Replying to a query on dismantling syndicates that manipulate migrant workers, Anwar said they discussed the whole migration system.
“Any differences between contending companies are not my concern. Our concern is to make sure whatever is decided must be followed. We need workers. But they cannot be treated as modern slaves regardless of their identities. It doesn't matter if they are from Bangladesh or India or Indonesia or any other country.
“I publicly said about this in the past,” he added.
He said that so-called agencies should adhere to policies strictly or they would face the music.
The Malaysian PM, however, urged all not to defend criminal activities by anyone whether they are Malaysians or foreigners in Malaysia.
