The Malaysian and Bangladeshi governments have finally signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) cementing the contentious deal that would see the migration of 1.5 million Bangladeshi workers into Malaysian borders.
According to Bangladeshi newspaper The Daily Star, representatives of both governments met in Dhaka today to sign on to the MoU, which agrees to the migration of the 1.5 million Bangladeshi workers over the next three years.
Representing the Malaysian government was Human Resources Minister Richard Riot.
The MoU states that the Bangladeshi workers who will be transferred to Malaysia will be guaranteed a monthly salary of between RM800 to RM900, and that recruitment processes on the Malaysian side will be transparent and fair.
Malaysian employers would also be on the hook for workers’ security deposits, levies, visa fees, and health and compensation insurance.
The procurement of Bangladeshi labour for 3D jobs – dirty, dangerous, and difficult – has raised concerns over social and criminal threats in Malaysia, as well as the question over whether or not Malaysian youths would be willing to take up those jobs instead of languishing in unemployment.
