Mositun backs CM’s order for data base on migrant labour

PAPAR: A comprehensive data base is essential for Sabah to effectively manage migrant labour and prevent abuses. This will in turn contribute to a reduction in crime and social problems that threaten security.

“The Chief Minister’s directive to the Ministry of Trade and Industry is timely. A proper data base that can be shared between different government agencies, including those in charge of security and law enforcement, will be of immense value in rationalizing and controlling migrant labour in Sabah,” said PBS Pantai Manis Division chief, Datuk Johnny Mositun.

Shafie had issued this directive Friday on a visit to Keningau where he inspected several industrial establishments.

Shafie had stressed that migrant labour and illegal immigrants were two different issues and needed to be addressed separately.

“The CM’s clarification that documentation of migrant workers is not the same as issuing Malaysian identity cards or granting citizenship should be noted. The two should be kept separate and the respective authorities must be allowed to do their work unhindered. That will lend itself to a more efficient and effective administration,” Mositun said.

Mositun said the issue of migrant labour was complex and confusing because it had long been exploited by certain quarters for quick profits.

Refusing to blame any quarters, he said it was also in order for the state to have full control over labour and immigration matters.

“There is a co-relation between the two. Everybody knows about our immigration powers as provided for under Malaysia Agreement 1963 but the State Government must also be as concerned about the supremacy of our own Labour Ordinance and ensure that Enactments eroding our independence and full powers over labour are accordingly rectified,” Mositun said.

He said it would be a good move to place recruitment of migrant labour directly under the State Labour Department .

“We know our labour needs. There is absolutely no need for the Federal Government to be involved or to appoint agents. Our own Labour Department can do this. Also, levies and taxes on foreign workers should be state revenue,” he said.