Asian Insider

Malaysia's migrant workers bear heavy load

An official checking on migrant workers at the Bukit Tengah industrial zone in Penang in January, in a bid to enforce compliance with legislation on the minimum standards for worker accommodation. PHOTO: BERNAMA
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KUALA LUMPUR - The Covid-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the lives of migrant workers in Malaysia, but has done little to alleviate their plight.

Observers say many, in fact, face a heavier workload because the pandemic has led to the closing of international borders or the suspension of immigration programmes, leading to a shortage in labour supply in a number of sectors.

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