Whenever people with money have power over people with less money, you have the potential for exploitation.
– Jennifer Weiner, American journalist
If you think only foreign workers are exploited in Malaysia, then perhaps you are clueless about what’s going on in our country’s workforce.
Our country, known for its rapid economic development, faces a pressing issue that remains largely unspoken yet deeply damaging – the exploitation of its own workforce. Much attention has been directed towards the plight of foreign workers, such as those from Bangladesh and India, but the grim reality is that many Malaysian workers endure similar, if not worse, conditions.
Exploitation, often thought to be the bane of foreign labourers, is a pervasive issue affecting countless Malaysians, perpetuated by employers who capitalise on weak enforcement and systemic failures.
Salaries in Malaysia have long lagged behind the rising cost of living, a problem that has driven many professionals to leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad. This brain drain has triggered an economic ripple effect, leaving the country grappling with talent shortages and stunted wage growth.
The over-reliance on low-skilled industries has further aggravated the situation, as employers in these sectors are reluctant to offer competitive salaries. The nation’s education system also bears some responsibility, as it fails to prepare graduates with market-relevant skills, making them less appealing to employers who prefer to hire foreign-trained professionals.
For many Malaysians, these structural issues manifest in the form of relentless workplace exploitation. Workers frequently report receiving salaries far below their qualifications and experience. For instance, a friend in Kuala Lumpur with nearly two decades of service is still earning less than RM4,000 a month.
Employers often manipulate contributions to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), calculating them based on reduced salaries to evade their full obligations. This tactic not only cheats employees of their rightful savings but also reflects a troubling disregard for ethical business practices.
The exploitation does not end there. Many employees are forced to work on their off days without overtime pay or adequate compensation. Some, including my close friend, are even expected to bring their work home, sacrificing personal time and their mental well-being.
In more extreme cases, employees are pressured to remain productive during holidays, either by answering work calls or completing assignments remotely. One particularly distressing account involves an employer likened to a slave master, whose treatment of workers echoes historical atrocities.
Remember the TV series ‘Roots’ featuring fictional character Kunta Kinte? Roots is a 1977 American television miniseries based on Alex Haley’s 1976 novel ‘Roots: The Saga of an American Family’, set during the slavery era in the United States.
Kunta Kinte was based on one of Haley’s ancestors, a Gambian man who was born around 1750, enslaved, and taken to America where he worked without salary for his plantation owner master.
Exploitation is not limited to salaried employees; even family members working in family-run businesses are not spared. For example, when I was working for a newspaper (now defunct) in Sibu decades ago, my colleague who was verbally promised wedding leave (contractual leave was not stated in the contract) found himself denied this benefit when he remarried, as his employer claimed it was a “once-in-a-lifetime” privilege.
Such anecdotes highlight the extent of workplace exploitation, where promises are routinely broken, and employees are subjected to arbitrary rules.
The psychological toll on workers is severe. Many report feelings of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. The fear of losing their jobs often prevents them from lodging complaints with the authorities, particularly for those nearing retirement age.
This culture of fear and silence allows exploitative practices to persist, further entrenching systemic injustices. Addressing this issue requires a concerted effort from everyone; employers, government agencies, and society at large must recognise the gravity of the situation and take proactive measures to ensure fair treatment of workers.
Employers must adopt ethical practices that prioritise employees’ welfare over profits. This includes adhering to labour laws, offering fair wages, and creating a supportive work environment. Companies that exploit their workers should face stringent financial and legal consequences.
The government has a critical role to play in enforcing labour laws and closing regulatory loopholes. Existing laws must be updated to reflect modern workplace challenges, ensuring that workers are protected from exploitation.
The authorities should also strengthen enforcement mechanisms, deploying more resources to investigate complaints and penalise offending employers. Establishing safe channels for workers to report exploitation without fear of retaliation is another crucial step towards dismantling the culture of silence.
Investing in the workforce is equally important. The government must attract higher-value industries that offer skilled jobs with competitive salaries. This shift requires a revamp of the education system to align with market demands and prioritise skills over outdated racial quotas.
Meritocracy, long championed by countries like Singapore, could serve as a model for fostering a more competitive workforce. By equipping graduates with the skills employers seek, our country can bridge the gap between supply and demand, creating a virtuous cycle of higher wages and greater economic stability.
The exploitation of Malaysian workers is a multifaceted issue that requires urgent attention. It reflects broader systemic failures in governance, education, and corporate ethics. While the problem may seem insurmountable, it is not without solutions.
With decisive action and a collective commitment to fairness and justice, we can pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim must prioritise labour reforms, recognising that a demoralised workforce undermines national productivity and growth.
As we continue our journey of economic development, we cannot afford to leave our workers behind. Addressing exploitation is not just a moral imperative but also an economic necessity. The time for change is now, and the nation must act decisively to secure a better future for all its citizens.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune.
