Unmasked Labor: Malaysia's Charcoal Workers, Undeterred by Danger, Take on Tasks Rejected by Many
In the heart of Kota Tinggi, Johor, lies a charcoal factory where foreign laborers toil under challenging conditions, day in and day out. One of these workers is Mr. Mustapa Mustaman, who has been working at the factory for over two decades.
Every day, Mr. Mustapa starts work at 6am, seven days a week. His task is to stack wood into a 3m deep, badminton court-sized burning pit. Sawdust is used as fuel to help burn the wood, with the process taking two to three months.
The factory's environment is characterized by heat, dust, and smoke. Workers, including Mr. Mustapa and his co-workers, walk around the scorched grounds near the burning pits barefoot or with flimsy rubber slippers. Despite the intense physical demands and low pay, many Malaysians are reluctant to take up such jobs.
The gruelling conditions have taken a toll on Mr. Mustapa's body. His worn-out physique is a testament to the years of hard work. Despite this, he remains undeterred, spending eight hours a day transforming wood into charcoal.
This weekend, a news article titled "In Pictures" is focusing on the gruelling conditions faced by workers like Mr. Mustapa at a charcoal factory in Malaysia. The article aims to find out what keeps these workers motivated to continue their labor under such challenging conditions.
In a surprising turn of events, Mr. Mustapa has experienced an accident where his foot slipped into a burning pit. Remarkably, his foot did not sustain burn injuries.
The charcoal factory produces approximately two tons of charcoal daily. Despite the hardships, Mr. Mustapa remains hopeful, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to work and support his family back home.
Foreign laborers in Malaysia's "3D" sector (dirty, difficult, and dangerous jobs) face similar challenges. They often perform labor-intensive and hazardous tasks with low wages, limited legal protection, and risks of exploitation. The Malaysian government is aiming to reduce dependency on foreign labor in sectors including 3D jobs, encouraging automation and local hiring through levy reforms and tougher foreign worker regulations by 2030. However, this may impact the availability and conditions for foreign workers like Mr. Mustapa.
The plight of these workers underscores the need for improved working conditions, legal protections, and social support for foreign laborers in Malaysia. Their stories serve as a reminder of the human cost of the products we consume and the need for ethical labor practices in our globalised world.
The need for health-and-wellness initiatives in the manufacturing industry, especially concerning foreign laborers like Mr. Mustapa, becomes evident as he continues to work under harsh conditions. Despite the risks, the finance sector might be impacted if stricter foreign worker regulations are implemented, due to potential labor shortages. As the industry evolves, workplace-wellness should be integrated to enhance the well-being of workers, ensuring a sustainable and ethical manufacturing environment.
