Indonesian Migrant Workers Award (IMWA) 2017 invites nominations
KUCHING: The Indonesian Migrant Workers Award (IMWA) is back again and will be held on Sept 23.
Nominations for the award, which is being held for the second time since the inaugural event was introduced in 2015, are now open for registration until June 30. Indonesian ConsulGeneral in Kuching Jahar Gultom said the award aims to strengthen the working relationship between the Indonesian Consulate in Kuching and the companies employing Indonesian workers.
“In addition, IMWA will also help to instil positive image not only for the Indonesian workers but also for the employers who will be able to provide more attention, guidance and appreciation to these workers and to always use the proper channel in recruiting and employing them,” he told a press conference at the Indonesian Consulate here yesterday.
Also present were members of IMWA Board of Advisors Tan Sri Mohd Jamil Johari, Datu Robert Lian Balangalibun, Pemanca Datuk Wong Kie Yik and IMWA organising chairman Andre Suharto.
According to Jahar, an estimated 200 deaths involving Indonesians in Sarawak were recorded annually and the deceased were mostly illegal workers.
“For this year, we have recorded around 60 deaths and most of them died due to illness,” he revealed and expressed his belief that the illegal workers were perhaps unwell and their working environment might be a factor that caused their demise.
“We hope that by organising a programme such as IMWA, we can promote Indonesian workers who come to work in Sarawak through the proper channels and reduce the number of illegal workers.”
Jahar, who is also a member of the IMWA Board of Advisors, also told members of the media of his recent courtesy call on Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg to brief the latter and invited him to officiate at the ceremony.
“He has given his promise to help support IMWA which needs the support from the state government, Indonesian Consulate as well as involved industries.”
He pointed out that the organising committee targeted to receive more nominees for the award this year.
“The last IMWA in 2015, there were 64 nominees from three industries; namely oil palm industry, timber industry and construction/manufacturing industry, and hopefully this year there will be more so we can promote more Indonesian workers.”
Meanwhile, Andre said the award will continue to provide recognition for nine winners from the three industries as well as consolation prize money to the semi-finalists.
“For each industry, the first prize winners will win RM12,000 while the second and third prize winners will win RM10,000 and RM7,000 respectively,” he disclosed, adding that semifinalists will walk away with consolation prizes of RM1,000.
The organising committee has since sent out invitation letters to companies in the said three industries inviting them to be sponsors and/or to nominate their best workers by June 30.
For further information, visit www.IMWA-Sarawak.org or call 082-460734.