By Rizalman Hammim Mohd Azren Jamaludin | New Straits Times – 16 hours ago
KULAIJAYA: The police have arrested a total of 49 foreign workers in connection with a riot at an electronics factory at the Desa Perindustrian Kulai 2 in Kelapa Sawit on Tuesday.
Johor police chief Datuk Mokhtar Mohd Shariff said the workers, comprising two Bangladeshis while the rest are Nepalese, have been remanded to help in the investigation of the case, which have been classified under Section 148 of the Penal Code.
He also said that the police will continue with its presence in the area surrounding the factory in case there are still workers who wants to stir up trouble.
"I was made to understand that there are still workers who have yet to show up for work but we are ready if there are anybody who try to cause trouble while we have also advised the factory's management to increase its security measures," said Mokhtar.
On Tuesday, about 800 foreign workers gathered within the factory compound and started hurling stones at about 9am.
They then burnt a Proton Iswara Aeroback belonging to their supervisor.
That night, some of the workers are believed to have set the factory on fire, destroying a portion of the factory building.
"I would like to remind these workers that they are here to work, not to cause trouble. They need to respect the laws of this country," said Mokhtar after a meeting with the management of the factory.
Meanwhile, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said employers should always look after the welfare of their employees and avoid doing anything that might jeopardise them.
"These days, employees are more aware of their rights. There is a need for an industrial harmony between the employers and their employees," said Khaled when commenting on the riot.
He said there must be a reason for the employees to act they way they did but they should not take the law into their hands.
"Both parties need to respect the law. We have to wait for the investigation to be completed," said Khaled.
