Migrant Workers in Malaysia

We must admit it.

Malaysia will never be the same.

A Bangladeshi worker

 We did not have this phenomenon before and then the government liberalised foreign workers.

Filipino maids

So, they came,first as maids.

We started sourcing maids at first from the Philippines. Not much of a problem. Generally well-trained and well-behaved. Getting expensive, though.

Indonesian workers

Then came the Indonesian maids. Not all bad though some did give them a bad name, running away from employers and bringing in the notorious 'thrown away babe' phenomenon. Also getting expensive.

Cambodian maids

Then we went to Cambodia to source maids. 'Not very good' were the general comments from ex-employers. I do not know whether these comments are fair.

Nepalese Guards

 I do not know about Indian and Sri Lankan maids, though I have heard they have also come to Malaysian shores.


As for male migrant workers, we have our neighbouring Indonesians here, both legal and illegal. Hard-working and quick to learn, they had their social problems- fights and crimes.

Then came the handsome Bangladeshi boys; making our Muslim girls to swoon and many affairs and marriages may have occured, much to the chagrin or behest of Muslim parents.

Next, we have the Vietnamese-blending very well into the Malaysian demographics. The Myanmarese came next. They are seen in almost any coffee-shop in the Klang Valley. Go to any timsum shop and they are the new chefs!

I have been told that there are something like 4 million migrant workers in Malaysia-both legal and legal.

So, what next? Would they be a permanent feature?

Well, the changing scenario will  see less Indonesian male workers coming to Malaysia as wages are getting better in the home country. Vietnamese workers are not returning too because of the rapid economic development back home as well.

As Myanmar opens up to the world and allow democracy to seep in albeit slowly, even Myanmarese may not come in droves as they do now.

What I can see will be more Bangladeshis as Malaysia need replacement for the 'missing' Indonesians and Vietnamese in the plantations, labour intensive industries and the construction industry.

As for the Nepalese, they will still be here as there is little economic development in Nepal except for tourism which cannot absorb the current population demand for jobs. Go to any resort hotels-they are there smiling at you!

In ending, be prepared to listen to foreign tongues as the migrant workers noisily throng the alleys, byways and supermarkets of the nation especially on public holidays!