BD workers not getting due salary in Malaysia

A number of Bangladeshi workers, who went to Malaysia under government to government (G-to-G) arrangement, are not getting their due salary and other benefits as per the contract signed, they alleged.
The Bangladesh High Commission to Malaysia also admitted receiving such allegations.
Four such workers informed the FE correspondent over phone Saturday that over 30 Bangladeshi workers were confined by their employer on the day when they wanted to go to the company head-office and high commission office to lodge complaints in this connection.
These labourers work in United Plantation, Berhad in Malaysia.
They said with the help of local police, the employer kept them locked in a room and tortured them.
They alleged that they were not provided with the salary and other facilities, including overtime bill, as per the contract, signed between the governments of Bangladesh and Malaysia.
According to the agreement between the two countries, the migration cost of each worker will be Tk 40,000, while the minimum salary will be Tk 25,000 (900 Malaysian Ringgit) per month with free accommodation and meals.
Bangladeshi workers will be employed in Malaysia for five years in three phases. The first phase will be for two years, the second for two years and the third for one year, as per the agreement.
One labour said he came to Malaysia last August with a contract of receiving a monthly salary of 900 Ringgit, but he is now getting 550 Ringgit without any overtime.
Another worker complained about receiving 600 Ringgit, saying that the company manager compelled them to collect palm fruits and give them only 2.0 Ringgit for every 50-kg sack.
The FE correspondent talked with Bangladesh High Commission's labour counsellor Montu Kumar Biswas over phone and was informed that they are aware of such complaints.
"We are receiving such complaints from some workers. We are taking initiatives to solve the problem," he added.
The labour counsellor also said as the benefits, mentioned in the contract, are new in the Malaysian system, the companies are taking time to provide these fully.
He, however, said the workers often do not understand that some amount from their salary are cut as levy and insurance premium and for being absent in work.
Bangladesh and Malaysia singed an agreement on November 2012, and so far 4,000 Bangladeshis have gone to the country with job under the deal.