Malaysia Pledges Better Protection for Bangladeshi Workers

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Putrajaya: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday pledged stronger protections for Bangladeshi migrant workers, condemning labour abuses and recruitment scams that have affected thousands of workers in the country.

Speaking alongside Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Anwar said the exploitation of migrant workers for personal or corporate gain could not be tolerated and stressed the importance of labour cooperation between the two countries.

About 800,000 Bangladeshis work in Malaysia, making them the country's largest foreign workforce. Many have faced problems including unpaid wages and costly recruitment schemes that left workers burdened with debt.

Rahman called for a more transparent and affordable recruitment system with fewer middlemen, while both leaders discussed ways to improve worker welfare.

The issue has drawn international attention, with UN experts last year warning of exploitation, deception and debt bondage among Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia.

Rahman, on his first foreign trip since taking office in February, will travel to China later on Monday for talks on trade and infrastructure projects.

Pic Credit: AFP