M. Kulasegaran, Human Resources Minister:

I support the recent decision of your government to conduct a full investigation and inquiry into the situation of workers.

I am deeply concerned that many migrant workers in Malaysia find themselves trapped in debt bondage due to lower than expected wages and large recruitment fees. They struggle to survive and support their families.

The proposal to deduct foreign workers’ wages by 20% is particularly pernicious and I urge you to urgently reconsider. It will make migrant workers’ position even more precarious. They deserve to keep their full wages.

It is against international labor standards to take away workers’ wages without their consent, and migrant workers’ hard-earned pay should not be a bargaining chip to control their movement.