On the 23rd – 24th October 2015, the Labour Office in Malaysia led by Minister Counselor (on labour) Mr. Chaiyot Yoosup and advisor (on labour) Mr. Thanit Loypiman and officers from the Labour Office in Malaysia visited Thai workers and employer representatives from 5 organizations in Kuala Lumpur. The organizations consisted of a construction company, 2 massage parlors and 2 restaurants.
On the 23rd – 24th October 2015, the Labour Office in Malaysia led by Minister Counselor (on labour) Mr. Chaiyot Yoosup and advisor (on labour) Mr. Thanit Loypiman and officers from the Labour Office in Malaysia visited Thai workers and employer representatives from 5 organizations in Kuala Lumpur. The organizations consisted of a construction company, 2 massage parlors and 2 restaurants.
From meeting with employer representatives from Acre Works Sdn Bhd. which are sub-contractors in the extension of the LRT Ampang Line and Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) projects were satisfied with the skills and abilities possessed by Thai workers, particularly in the position of Launching Superintendent, Launching Gantry Officer and Rigger. They provided feedback that the workers contributed to the punctual completion of the company’s construction projects and at present, were in the process of examining the project and steadily sending back Thai workers to Thailand. The company also said that they would employ Thai workers again for the construction of the MRT Line 2 project in 2016.
From the visit to the service sectors, visiting massage therapists at BEA Therapy Sdn. Bhd. at the Sri Hartamas branch and Thai Odyssey Sdn. Bhd. at the Centre Point branch, issues concerning employment conditions coupled with the Malaysian Ringit exchange rate which has decreased significantly, leading to a reduction in income being sent back home. The situation led workers into stressful conditions without motivation to work. Employers expressed experience of workers fleeing the country, thus the Labour Office in Malaysia advised companies to motivate workers by adjusting wages, providing monetary rewards and improving benefits provided to the workers, which is expected to resolve the issue to a certain extent.
As for the Thai restaurant in Thailand, the Labour Office in Malaysia visited Busaba Thai restaurant in Sunway and Rosdet restaurant in Kampung Baru, both of which had history in long-term employment of Thai workers. Although the restaurant had different formats and surroundings, the Thai workers in both restaurants were treated the same by their employers, with employers providing opportunities especially for workers showing determination and motivation in learning and developing skills in order to climb to higher positions. Feedback from workers revealed that the workers were cared for by employers as though they were family members.
