Dalam konteks penyebaran COVID-19, permodelan matematik telah menjadi satu komponen penting dalam merangka strategi bagi mengambil langkah awal dalam menangani penularan wabak. Dalam kajian ini, model SIR (Susceptible –Infected –Recovered) digunakan bagi meramalkan tindak balas wabak COVID-19 di Malaysia. Hasil kajian mendapati bahwa wujud perbezaan yang ketara sekiranya bilangan penduduk yang berpotensi dijangkiti S(0) dikurangkan, di mana puncak kes aktif dapat dikurangkan dengan begitu ketara (kes aktif puncak berlaku pada t=81, dengan peratusan kes berjumlah S(81) = 8.7%). Jadi, adalah amat penting bagi mematuhi arahan –arahan serta SOP yang digariskan oleh pihak kerajaan bagi menghentikan jangkitan pandemik COVID-19.

The Malaysian government has implemented numerous policies and laws to regulate and monitor the employment of foreign workers in the country. This study examines key issues related to relevant labour laws in Malaysia addressing the welfare and rights of foreign workers, primarily workers’ wages and deductions, levy and repatriation costs, insurance and medical benefits, passport retention, discrimination by employers and access to complaint mechanisms. Secondly, this study draws on several survey findings that indicate the existence of forced labour indicators that may amplify the vulnerability of foreign workers to abuse and exploitation. A survey was conducted to obtain perspectives on the rights and welfare of foreign workers in Peninsular Malaysia using a convenience sampling approach to collect relevant data. The study was undertaken among foreign workers with Visitor’s Pass (Temporary Employment) (Pas Lawatan Kerja Sementara, or PLKS) and employers of PLKS holders. The survey findings suggest that several aspects of foreign workers’ rights and welfare are not effectively protected, with some indicating the presence of forced labour indicators. In addition, two other findings are highlighted to indicate further the areas in which there is a lack of protection for the rights and welfare of foreign workers. The study provides several recommendations and suggests further qualitative studies to gather in-depth perspectives of foreign workers and employers. The findings can help develop effective policy and legal intervention strategies to improve the rights and welfare of foreign workers in Malaysia.

Migration policy is an essential component in the country’s national security agenda. History shows that internal security and threats to security are the primary logic that informs foreign worker policy in Malaysia. This article looks into the security implications of the employment and presence of foreign workers holding the Visit Pass (Temporary Employment) or ‘PLKS’ holders in Peninsular Malaysia. This study is part of an overarching research that reevaluates a number of employment policies applicable to PLKS holders and assesses the impact of employment policies and practices that concern this category of workers from both public order and human security perspectives. It used qualitative methods such as desk review, focus group discussions (FGD) and round table discussions (RTD), and is based on the Security and Public Order Policy (DKKA 2019) and the intent to develop a comprehensive foreign worker policy. Areas assessed include the involvement of foreign workers in crimes, the phenomenon of irregularity, terrorism, corruption, infectious diseases, drug abuse and drug trafficking.