Protect Aerofoam Workers: No Retaliation, No Deportation, Temporary Documentation Now

KUALA LUMPUR, 22 June 2026— Bangladeshi workers at Aerofoam Manufacturing (1969) Sdn. Bhd. and supporting organisations today called on the Governments of Malaysia and Bangladesh to provide urgent protection for workers involved in the ongoing labour dispute.

The call comes during the Malaysia visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, at a time when the two governments are discussing closer bilateral cooperation, including manpower recruitment.

Around 120 workers, the majority from Bangladesh, have raised collective grievances concerning unpaid wages, employment conditions, passports, recruitment-related debts, welfare, and immigration insecurity. Workers reported that they had not received wages for three months, while around 35 workers were affected by concerns over visa or PLKS renewal.

The workers have pursued their claims through the relevant channels. A complaint was brought to the Department of Labour of Peninsular Malaysia, and the Bangladesh High Commission has also intervened. However, workers must be able to pursue their claims safely, collectively, and without fear.

The workers and supporting organisations have submitted an urgent memorandum calling for:

1. No retaliation against workers who raise grievances or participate in collective action.
2. No detention, deportation, or forced repatriation while workers’ claims remain unresolved.
3. Appropriate temporary documentation, including Special Passes or another lawful protection mechanism, for workers whose permits or visas were not renewed through no fault of their own.
4. An urgent joint meeting involving workers’ authorised representatives, the Bangladesh High Commission, JTK, Immigration, relevant ministries, and legal representatives.
5. A full, collective, and transparent resolution of all outstanding claims, without individual or selective settlements designed to divide the workers.

“Workers must not become undocumented, deportable, or disposable because they demand their rights,” said Yuva Balan of Jaringan Solidariti Pekerja.

“We came to Malaysia to work and support our families. We want a fair solution, but we are afraid of being punished or sent back before our case is resolved.” — Anonymous Aerofoam worker

The organisations stressed that the workers are not asking for charity. They are demanding the right to pursue their claims without intimidation, coercion, or the threat of deportation.

No Retaliation. No Deportation. Temporary Documentation Now.

Issued by:

• Aerofoam Workers’ authorised representatives
• Migrant Welfare Network
• Jaringan Solidariti Pekerja
• Sosialis Alternatif Malaysia
• Kesatuan Muda Sosialis
• Gerakan Pembebasan Wanita
• Angkatan Siswa Sosialis

Media contact:
Yuva Balan
Jaringan Solidariti Pekerja
Phone: 0173727816
Email: sosialisalternatif@gmail.com