Himalayan News Service

Damak, March 13:

Rattled by recent media reports of Nepalis working in Malaysia being exploited, their employer companies have threatened these youths working there with arrest on baseless charges. In a letter faxed to The Himalayan Times yesterday, Nepali youngsters working in Malaysia appealed to the government and the media to rescue them. In the letter sent by around 14 Nepalis, including Laxmi Dhamala of Jhapa, Sal Bahadur Bhandari of Morang, and Tikaram Kunwar, they said they have been compelled to work for a very low salary at the Caulin Enterprises in Malka. They are getting less amount than what was agreed upon. Laxmi told THT over the telephone today that the “company men” have been threatening them with abduction or prison term.

“We request the Department of Labour and the District Administration Office, Jhapa, to rescue us by calling us back with appropriate compensation,” she said. The fax went on to say that the Overseas should be held responsible for any casualty on their side. The workers are getting a monthly salary of Rm 200 to 300 for eight-hour work a day. The Labour and Employment Promotion Department has set a limit of Rm 473 as a minimum salary to issue a permit to work abroad. The youths said they were sent to Malaysia as per that rule. Madhav Dhakal, a relative of one of the victims, said the youths left the country a year ago paying Rs 80,000 per head to Raj Overseas. The Fusion Manpower Company had charged the equal amount. General manager of the Raj Overseas, Chhabi Thebe, said they were ‘investigating the youths’ claim’. Saying that the men would have been getting less than promised probably because there was no overtime at present, Chhebe said. He said he would initiate steps to resolve the problem by holding direct talks with the victims tomorrow.