Nepali workers forced to work even under lockdown in Malaysia
A large number of Nepalis, already reeling from the Covid-19 outbreak, are being asked to go out and work against their will.An empty street is seen in front of Petronas Twin Towers after Malaysia's government announced the movement control order due to the spread of the Covid-19 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on March 19, 2020. Reuters
As the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 spiked in Malaysia, S had been wanting to stay safe indoors.
With the lockdown announced from Wednesday, the Nepali migrant worker, along with his compatriots, was relieved that he could finally remain indoors safe from infection.
“As we couldn’t go out, all of us were in self-quarantine since last Wednesday,” S told the Post from Penang, Malaysia. “We thought we would be safe now.”
But it was not to be. His company—PPH Printing & Packaging Sdn Bhd—has asked all workers to report to their workplace from Monday even as the lockdown continues.
“We are concerned about our safety. Almost everything is closed across Malaysia,” said S, who wanted neither his first name or surname mentioned, fearing reprisal from his employer. “How can we go out and work when we are put at risk of getting infected?”
Following the rapid spread of coronavirus, the Malaysian government has enforced a two-week lockdown until March 31. The government has banned mass gatherings, and allowed only essential services such as supermarkets, banks, gas stations and pharmacies to stay open. Workers are being forced to put in reduced hours.
As per the ‘restriction movement order’, all Malaysians have been barred from travelling abroad and those returning from overseas must undergo a health inspection and self-quarantine for 14 days. All schools and government and private offices have been asked to shut.
Around 45 Nepalis work for PPH Printing, which makes paper cartons and packaging boxes. All of them have been notified to report to work.
“Public movement is restricted on the streets as well. Security forces catch us when they spot us on the road,” said S. “But our company wants us to report to the work as if nothing has happened,” said S.
Other Nepali workers in the same company are also reluctant to resume work on Monday.
“The employer has been asking us to operate machines,” said B, another Nepali worker, requesting anonymity fearing consequences. “I don’t want to go to work in this situation. Everyone is scared to go out, let alone work in a group.”
According to him, other labourers have already started working in fear of action the company might take against them for insubordination.
“If our company were making medicine, we could understand its need,” said B. “But we make cartons. I don’t understand why they want to risk the lives of 250 workers. We have to take public transport to go to work, which is not safe.”
After restrictions on movement enforced to slow down the spread of coronavirus proved ineffective, Kuala Lumpur has decided to deploy the army to ensure that members of the public stay home from Sunday.
Meanwhile, Nepali migrant workers have been taking to social media to complain against their employers. On the weekly Facebook Live chat organised by the Nepal Embassy in Malaysia, many Nepalis shared their agony of having to work under threat.
“Our company has been making us work and has asked us to report to work without wearing uniform. They have threatened to deduct our pay if we don’t comply. What can we do?” wrote Netra Thapa.
Another worker, Subash, also complained that his company asked workers to continue working or their basic monthly salary would be deducted.
“I work for a hotel. Our work stopped on March 18. The manager says the lockdown has been enforced by the Malaysian government so all of us have to go on unpaid leave. Will I get paid for working under this shutdown?” asked TR Rana Magar, from the city of Port Dickson.
What is common among the grieving Nepali migrants is that all of them have been asked to work against their will and government restrictions. They say they have no option but to comply with the orders.
“If forced, we may not have the option other than to work,” said S. “But there is no guarantee we would be paid. The company has only talked about work, but not payment.”
Frequently asked questions about the coronavirus outbreak
UPDATED as of September 22, 2020
What is Covid-19? Covid-19, short for coronavirus disease, is an illness caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, short for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Common symptoms of the disease include fever, dry cough, fatigue, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
How contagious is Covid-19? Covid-19 can spread easily from person to person, especially in enclosed spaces. The virus can travel through the air in respiratory droplets produced when a sick person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes. As the virus can also survive on plastic and steel surfaces for up to 72 hours and on cardboard for up to 24 hours, any contact with such surfaces can also spread the virus. Symptoms take between two to 14 days to appear, during which time the carrier is believed to be contagious.
Where did the virus come from? The virus was first identified in Wuhan, China in late December. The coronavirus is a large family of viruses that is responsible for everything from the common cold to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). After an initial outbreak in Wuhan that spread across Hubei province, eventually infecting over 80,000 and killing more than 3,000, new infection rates in mainland China have dropped. However, the disease has since spread across the world at an alarming rate.
What is the current status of Covid-19?
The World Health Organisation has called the ongoing outbreak a “pandemic” and urged countries across the world to take precautionary measures. Covid-19 has spread to 213 countries and territoriesaround the world and infected more than 31,405,983 people with 967,505 deaths and 22,990,260 recoveries. In South Asia, India has reported the highest number of infections at 5,557,573 with 88,943 deaths. While Pakistan has reported 306,304 confirmed cases with 6,420 deaths. Nepal has so far reported 65,276 cases with 427 deaths.
How dangerous is the disease?
The mortality rate for Covid-19 is estimated to be 3.6 percent, but new studies have put the rate slightly higher at 5.7 percent. Although Covid-19 is not too dangerous to young healthy people, older individuals and those with immune-compromised systems are at greater risk of death. People with chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease, or those who’ve recently undergone serious medical procedures, are also at risk.
How do I keep myself safe? The WHO advises that the most important thing you can do is wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizers with at least 60 percent alcohol content. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unclean hands. Clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces like your computers and phones. Avoid large crowds of people. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist for longer than a few days.
Is it time to panic?
No. The government has imposed a lockdown to limit the spread of the virus. There is no need to begin stockpiling food, cooking gas or hand sanitizers. However, it is always prudent to take sensible precautions like the ones identified above.
Chandan Kumar Mandal was the environment and migration reporter for The Kathmandu Post, covering labour migration and governance, as well as climate change, natural disasters, and wildlife.
11.12°C Kathmandu
