Facing a harsh reality

This letter from a reader was published in the Star 10 August 2007.

I refer to “Foreign workers getting a better deal than locals” (The Star, Aug 9). It appears that the writer is looking at the employment scenario from an idealistic point of view.

This is a world where people have a choice to work where and how they wish, provided they have the basic desire to work, to progress in life, to develop a country’s economy, and to help children achieve their dreams.

People work to give themselves an opportunity to better themselves, to take care of their needs.

Whether local or foreigner, work is work and employers want someone who has the qualification, qualities and desire to work. And it’s the employer’s prerogative who they choose and decide to employ.

Please allow me to elaborate on what happens on the other side of the foreign coin.

Both local and foreign workers enjoy a basic pay (if one refers to salary earned as an enjoyment!) and I can guarantee you that not all foreign workers are guaranteed overtime.

Only common sense will tell you that any visitor/worker who lives in a foreign country needs accommodation and other basic facilities. And we’re not talking about five-star hotel facilities.

Here, basic can mean living in a shoplot premises together with more than 25 others, and queuing to use the one toilet/bathroom with broken doors and slimy floors and walls.

Premises have inadequate ventilation; are infested with cockroaches and rats; without space to hang wet clothes to dry; and food preparation is done on the floor.

Transportation is given in poorly maintained vehicles without air-conditioning; with blackened torn/broken seats and driven by locals who consume stimulants. Cost of rental and utilities are equally divided and deducted from the workers’ salary.

The reason foreigners seem to earn more is mainly because they know how to save more, in order to feed, clothe and educate their loved ones back home.

They can live on plain white rice, vegetable dhall curry and a weekly meat treat. A group of five will contribute RM1 each to buy half a chicken that is cooked and shared by them.

Are the local workers prepared to work under such conditions?

Fees/commissions will always be paid to low income recruitment agents or high-end headhunters, local or foreign. And the recruitment fees are deducted from the workers' salary for six months to one year by the employers. Upon renewal of the yearly work permit, the deduction is repeated.

The cost of yearly medical checkups are also deducted from the salary. They work 365 days, 12 hours a day without overtime. And when they take leave, their salary is deducted.

Are the local workers prepared to work in such conditions for a so-called higher salary?

This is the hidden reality of life among foreign workers. There’s nothing free in life.

P. TULADHAR,
Kuala Lumpur.

I just want to answer the question "Are the local workers prepared to work in such conditions for a so-called higher salary?" Definitely NOT.
I guess we have been blessed with so much that very few are willing to go back to that kind of basics to earn a living. Our forefathers may have done so, and I'm sure those starting a new life elsewhere are willing to do the same. But the locals demand a minimum. And if we are honest enough with ourselves, the foreign workers should also be given a minimum. Not the inhumane treatment they are getting now.
But I doubt humanity is in the minds of the employers. As long as the money comes in with minimal expenses, everyone should be contented.