The Effect of Migration and Community on Quality of Life; Bangladeshi Construction Workers in Malaysia

Md Wahidul Haque,Norizan Abdul Ghani

doi:10.34257/gjhsscvol20is4pg15

Abstract

Despitehaving substantial strategy and policy on human resource development, Bangladeshi (BD) workers in Malaysia mostly migrate in the unskilled category. Their capability development training in Malaysia takes place in an informal and unorthodox way through Community of Practice (CoP). This research attempts to investigate the effect of migration management and the workers training and community activities of Terengganu, the east coast of Malaysia, on the QoL of BD migrant workers. Thematic analysis is used in this qualitative research, with the help of atlas ti vers ion seven for data analysis. The research could hardly reveal any existence of community resilience, though hundreds of them are staying together in many construction sites. Meaning, they are staying together but forming a 'Solitary Community' and leading a lower QoL. The outcome of this research will be useful for experts to further enhance migration, capability expansion, and community development philosophy to improve the migrant workers QoL.

Highlights

BD workers are engaged in 143 countries, but about 90% of the migration takes place in Islamic countries like the Middle East and Malaysia (Islam, 2014)
A qualitative study was conducted in Terengganu, east cost of Malaysia to find out the effects of migration management and community on QoL of BD migrant workers
The quality output of these strategic, gigantic, and relentless effort s for BD workers i s not visible in Malaysia because Malaysia is mostly importing unskilled workers (R-1)

Summary

Introduction

Labor migration is occupying an essential part of the global economy (Islam, 2014). BD workers are engaged in 143 countries, but about 90% of the migration takes place in Islamic countries like the Middle East and Malaysia (Islam, 2014). According to an estimation of the Malaysian Employers Federation, around six million documented and undocumented BD labor work mainly in the labor-intensive sectors (Tan Heng Hong, 2017), which might include the Rohingyas without UNHCR card (migrated following unsafe route). Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2030 aims to promote safe, regular and orderly migration to reduce their vulnerabilities (Smale & Hilbrecht, 2016).

Methods

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion