THE issue of uncontrolled foreign workers or migrants in Malaysia has been a contentious topic for many years. The presence of these workers has undoubtedly contributed to the country’s economic development but it has also created many social issues.
We had to admit that these foreigners are controlling some sectors like the wet market, plastic recycling, vegetable planting and many more businesses.
One of the main problems associated with uncontrolled foreign workers is the rise in criminal activity. There have been numerous cases of these foreigners being involved in robbery and housebreaking activities.
Such activities have increased over the years and have resulted in many Malaysians feeling unsafe in their own homes. The culprits are mostly construction workers; once their projects are completed, they are left without proper job and having to source for income from illegal activities.
It is essential that the government takes proactive measures to address this issue by increasing police presence in areas where these activities are prevalent.
Another issue associated with uncontrolled foreign workers is the adverse impact on the country’s social fabric. These workers often bring with them their own cultures and values which can clash with Malaysian norms and traditions.
This can lead to a breakdown of social cohesion and create tension between Malaysians and the foreigners. They are the key people who destroy the cleanliness of rivers for many illegals who are staying around riverbanks for easy survival tend to throw all their garbage into the river.
Such unhygienic attitude is glaring in kampung areas judging by the manner they produce and dispose of their garbage which many local authorities find it cumbersome to control.
The presence of uncontrolled foreign workers has also contributed to the rise in illegal activities such as prostitution, human trafficking, and drug trafficking. These activities have a detrimental effect on the society with a breakdown of law and order.
In some areas, these illegals are demanding permanent residents and citizenship as they claim to also be contributing to the country’s economic growth. I don’t think the government should ever entertain such reasoning at all.
More broadly, the influx of uncontrolled foreign workers has also created economic issues. These workers are often willing to work for lower wages compared to Malaysians, thus creating an unfair advantage for employers which lead to a decrease in wages earned by Malaysians.
Small traders and entrepreneurs are happy to engage cheap manpower but they fail to understand that hiring illegals for wrong economic sectors is an offence punishable by law.
The presence of uncontrolled foreign workers has also had a negative impact on the country’s infrastructure. The increase in population has put a strain on resources such as housing, healthcare and transportation.
Many of them rely on the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) privilege and other short-cut methods to get married and settled down as traders in this country. Many enforcement officers eventually fall into their trap by befriending them for the so-called ‘extra monthly income’.
The issue of uncontrolled foreign workers in Malaysia is a complex one that requires proactive action from the government. While these workers have contributed to the country’s economic growth, they have also created many social, economic and infrastructure issues.
The government must take measures to control these workers by ensuring that they do not become a burden on society.
It is essential that these measures are taken in a way that promotes understanding, tolerance and mutual dependency between Malaysians and foreigners. Only then can Malaysia truly benefit from the presence of foreign workers. – April 19, 2023
Papparaidu Veraman is the founder & advisor of Malaysian Indian Voice (MIV) and assistant organisational secretary to DAP Selangor.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
