KL-bound workers warned vs dubious recruiters

The Philippine embassy in Kuala Lumpur has warned potential recruits to Malaysia against agencies with tempting job offers but end up substituting contracts once they get there.

Ambassador Victoriano Lecaros issued the advisory as the embassy is having a hard time providing shelter and assistance to at least 71 Filipinos having problems with their employment in Malaysia.

Lecaros reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila that the distressed OFWs came in different groups, asking to be accommodated at the embassy.

Almost half of the 71 Filipinos housed at the Workers’ Resource Center are men.

Lecaros noted that the stories the OFWs recounted have a common thread: Philippine and Malaysian agencies charged them excessive placement fees and substituted new contracts to supplant those that previously met Philippine government standards.

The workers also complained of unexpected salary deductions and having been forced to work on 12-hour shifts but getting paid only for eight hours. They also said they received threats and other acts of harassment.

To avoid being in similar situations, Lecaros advised Filipinos applying for work in Malaysia to be wary of recruitment agencies committing the same violations, and to do a background check on the agencies even before they apply for employment. - GMANews.TV

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