Illegal Myanmar migrant workers are being advised not to come to Malaysia due to the ongoing mass arrests in the current situation, according to a Myanmar Social Welfare Association (Malaysia) official.
“Those who came under the MOU between the two countries are legal and are paid. Among many illegal migrants, Myanmar people can’t speak [the local language] and work. When they can work, they are not employed because they can’t speak. Some died from the injuries at the site. Some were arrested on the way or in the car,” he said.
This is the usual time for Malaysia to conduct mass arrests of undocumented migrants.
Moreover, Myanmar workers already in Malaysia face the hardships of high commodity prices and scarce job opportunities due to the country’s economic situation.
“They are arresting illegal immigrants every day, either on the way before they enter or after they arrive”, he said, adding that many Myanmar workers are also victims of fraud.
“Myanmar citizens have to pay K 4.5, 5.0 or 6.0 million each for a job in Malaysia. Some are cheated before they arrive and some after. Some faced difficulties that even led to the separation of their families. So, at the moment, we would like to say “please do not come” to those who are planning to come to Malaysia through agencies or illegal routes rather than through MOU channel,” he continued.
Thit Taw/ZN
