Are employers exploiting workers?
A Twitter user stepped up to the plate and revealed that, according to a report by World Bank, most Malaysian employers are reluctant to invest in upskilling as well as research and development (RnD).
His tweet is supported by fellow netizens who are also suffering from the effects of this practice.
Companies won’t compensate us with competitive salaries even if we have the right qualifications and skills. World Bank has conducted this studies for several years and this report reaffirms their stand.
— Nine (@reizbmj) June 23, 2021
Another netizen tweeted,
“This is true of most sectors. The argument is that cheap foreign labour is necessary while developing appropriate technology, but research spend is low, in favour of short term profits. Cheap labour is like a drug, needing firm action and some pain to kick the habit.”
At the same time, a netizen voiced his opinion that…
“Keeping labour cheap has been the mantra of many organisations. What will set some organisations apart from others is the willingness to invest [in] their employees. This will also help develop the talent pool in Malaysia and help the country as a whole.”
In a separate tweet from way back in 2019, a netizen rebuked a tweet that said, “Trust that even if your salary is RM1,500 but you work like your salary is RM5,000, God will reward you in other ways.”
romanticization of cheap labour and exploitation is alive and well in Malaysia. https://t.co/MNN1A2sYlL
— Aiman Syamim (@aimansyamim_) November 28, 2019
Perhaps one of the major contributing factors to this issue is Malaysia’s high unemployment rate, causing unemployed individuals who are desperately in need of a job to accept low salaries that do not reflect their qualifications. As more and more overqualified individuals relent to cheap labour due to the country’s lack of job opportunities, it ends up becoming the employers’ market where employers have more control.
As such, we need to know our worth and stick up for our rights. If you can afford to, hold out until you find a company that appreciates what you have to offer and are willing to offer you worthwhile compensation in return.
*Cover image via Unsplash and Twitter
This ‘kung fu granny’ can probably kick your butt and tear you a new one
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