'Strict liability' programme will make employers more responsible: Nur Jazlan

JOHOR BARU: The government plans to implement the "Strict Liability" programme in efforts to ensure that employers will be more responsible towards the welfare of their foreign workers.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed (pix) said discussions were now being held between the relevant government agencies and business organisations to come to a consensus on the move.
"With the implementation of the programme, we hope that employers will be more responsible in looking after the welfare of their foreign workers from the time they arrive here until they return to their respective countries," he told reporters at the Tan Sri Mohamed Rahmat Complex, here, today.
He was commenting on the failure of some employers to register their illegal foreign workers since the programme on rehiring of illegals was implemented this year.
Nur Jazlan said more care for the welfare of foreign workers would ensure better housing and health insurance for these workers.
"Many of the foreign workers currently do not have proper housing and some bring with them contagious diseases.
"If there are better housing and better health facilities for them, they will not be spreading diseases to the local community."
He said most employers were reaping profits from the hiring of foreign workers but refused to spend more in looking after their welfare.
Nur Jazlan added that security control along the country's border areas would be stepped up to curb the entry of illegals during the Aidilfitri festive period.
"Usually the illegals will return home to celebrate the occasion and then re-enter Malaysia, bringing along their friends because they know of the opportunities to earn a living here," he added.
Earlier, Nur Jazlan handed out offer letters to 85 families in the Pengkalan Rinting state constituency to stay at the Sungai Melana People's Housing Project (PPR). — Bernama