49 foreign workers detained over riot at factory

KULAIJAYA: The police have detained 49 foreign workers in connection with a riot at a factory in the Kelapa Sawit Industrial Park here, three days ago.
The 47 Nepalese and two Bangladeshi suspects have been remanded for two weeks to facilitate investigations into the incident.
During the 9am strike, about 800 foreign workers of the factory which produces hard-disk drive components went on a strike during which, they set fire to one of its four blocks after pelting their employer's office with stones and torched the factory manager's car.
The workers were apparently unhappy with the factory owner, JCY International Bhd management's alleged neglect of their welfare.
Johor police chief Datuk Mohd Mokhtar Mohd Shariff said the police would not compromise in terms of safety and public order, especially when it involved the destruction of property.
"Foreign workers who are dissatisfied or have work-related problems should use avenues available to them to resolve their grouses.
"They should not resort to acts of violence like throwing stones and causing damage to property," he told reporters after visiting the factory premises today.
He said a police team was stationed in the vicinity of the factory site, adding the factory management was advised to enhance security.
During the incident, 125 policemen, including 75 Federal Reserve Unit personnel were deployed to defuse the situation.
Meanwhile in JOHOR BARU, JCY International said it was unaware of any mistreatment of workers as alleged by the workers and has initiated investigations into the matter.
In a statement today, it said the riot was a result of miscommunication and that the management would take steps to improve the situation.
"We condemn any act of violence and will fully cooperate with the relevant authorities on any investigation into the incident," it added.
On the damages, JCY International said the fire only damaged the extended area of one of the factories where some consumable items and few non-crucial equipment and machines were stationed.
"There was no major damage to the main building or any of the machines within the factory," it said, adding that the factory operations in Kulaijaya resumed this morning. – Bernama