RM500 for 15 years of service

KUCHING: Two Iban youths who worked for 15 years like slaves in a pau (dumpling) making factory in Selangor without being paid any wage have finally returned home and lodged a police report at the Kuching Central Police Station against the company and an agent. Radin anak Bangan was 15 and his brother Simon 16, when they were induced by an agent with offers to work in West Malaysia for a wage of RM2,000 a month.
Although they were minors at the time, the agent did not seek the permission of their parents.
The boys from Kampung Antayan Kropok in Serian district, worked 12 hour days resting only for meals.
At the police station here they were accompanied by by Padungan assemblyman Dominique Ng, who is also a lawyer.Speaking to journalists, Simon and Radin said they had worked for 15 years and were never paid any wages.“Whenever we asked for our wages, the boss would tell us that he would keep our money and give it to us when we leave for home.“In February 2010, we finally went home and the company gave us an ang pow of RM500 each. We have not received any of the promised wages,” Simon said.Each one of them is claiming a total of RM360,000 in arrears from the factory.

Selangor state to help

According to Ng, the brothers have also reported the matter to the Labour Department.“Their case is set for hearing at the labour courts in Selangor.“I am assisting them to make the police report and will also help them to get their wages from the company. Luckily, the Selangor government is a Pakatan government and it is willing to help in the case.“I have contacted two Selangor exco members, Elizabeth Wong and Dr Xavier Jayakumar. Both have promised to help,” said Ng.Ng also said there could be a possible a criminal case against the employers.“There could be a case of abduction and employing underage labourers.“I am shocked to know that such a case could still happen in our modern age and times.“It should only be in the olden days where youths were abducted and forced to work as cheap coolies or even as slave labourers in foreign countries.“I would like to strongly urge all relevant authorities to carry out prompt investigations into this case and to bring the culprits to swift justice and at the same time to ensure no more of our youths have to face such situations in the future,” he said.

Source : http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com