25th February 2024: FMT – More than 100 Bangladeshi migrants (possibly again alleged victims of the criminal syndicate trafficking Bangladeshis into Malaysia for forced labour) stranded in Cheras without jobs, says activist Andy Hall

104 Bangladeshi migrants are believed to have paid recruitment fees of up to RM21,700 each to secure employment in Malaysia.

Original source: FMT by Jason Thomas – 25th February 2024

PETALING JAYA: More than 100 Bangladeshi workers have been without jobs since arriving in Malaysia in November, according to migrant labour rights activist Andy Hall.

Hall said the 104 workers had paid recruitment fees of between RM19,500 and RM21,700 to secure employment in Malaysia, where they were promised good living facilities and high-paying jobs.

He said they were recruited by a construction firm in Cheras.

Three of the workers interviewed by Hall said payment of the recruitment fees had pushed them into debt bondage as they had to borrow heavily to secure the fees.

In a report Hall prepared, one worker was quoted as saying: “I am running into a huge debt.

Andy Hall said the 104 Bangladeshi workers in Cheras are forced to share a single toilet. (Andy Hall pic)

“I am unable to pay monthly instalments which I promised when I borrowed money from different sources, and lenders are threatening my family.”

The workers said their passports were confiscated upon arrival, and they suffered physical and verbal abuse. In addition, they were subjected to death threats by the man who picked them up at the airport.

The report said the workers live in a confined space with only one toilet for over 100 workers. They received inadequate food of mostly rice, lentils and mashed potatoes, with one worker claiming not to have been given food for up to four days after asking for updates on his job situation.

“Instead of receiving the promised jobs, they are left with no work and no income. This exacerbates their situation, pushing them further into debt and sadness,” said Hall.

FMT has sought comment from the human resources ministry.

Additional Reading:

Business Standard 18th Feb 2024: Bangladeshis pay much higher than peers (US$4500++) to reach Malaysia job market – syndicates, impunity and systemic forced labour

Malay Mail 8th Feb 2024 – Activists: Duped Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia sought RM2m in unpaid wages, but only got half(first reported compensation settlement for Bangladesh Malaysia organised crime syndicate victims being trafficked for forced labour in Malaysia)

See also: Related story – FMT 30th Dec 2023: Migrants being duped into Malaysia because of govt’s failure to curb criminal trafficking syndicates and organised crime network, says activist Andy Hall

See also: Malay Mail 8th Feb 2024: HR Ministry hails mediation outcome despite claims duped Bangladeshi workers were short-changed

See also: 8th February 2024: FMT – Bangladeshi workers win RM1mil in unpaid wages

See also: 7th Feb 2024: Bangla Tribune – Job trap in Malaysia, 733 Bangladeshis in salary uncertainty

See also: 6th February2024: Benar News – Malaysian Labor Court orders employers to pay Bangladeshi workers RM1 million in unpaid wages – first reported compensation settlement for Bangladesh Malaysia organised crime syndicate victims being trafficked for forced labour in Malaysia

See also: 16th January 2024: FMT – 751 duped Bangladeshi migrant workers in Pengerang case file RM2 million claim for unpaid wages resulting from situation akin to forced labour, stranded and destitute on arrival in Malaysia (includes comments by Andy Hall)

See also: 6th Jan 2024: FMT: Away from families, in debt, and jobless in a foreign land

See also: 6th Jan 2024: New Strait Times – Company that promised 171 Bangladeshi workers non-existent jobs blacklisted

See also: 5th Jan 2024: New Strait Times – MCA: Don’t just fine employers, hold ministry accountable as well for unemployed foreign workers

See also: FMT 30th Dec 2023: Migrants being duped into Malaysia because of govt’s failure to curb criminal trafficking syndicates and organised crime network, says activist Andy Hall

See also: 30th Dec 2023: New Strait Times – Recruitment agencies accused of deception as Bangladeshi victims speak out on exploitation and fear

See also: 29th Dec 2023: Malay Mail – Set up probe on exploitation of migrant workers and new ministry to manage their affairs, Suhakam tells Putrajaya