Tu (left) and Myo, both from Myanmar, shopping at Komtar on their day off. – CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
FOREIGN workers in Penang feel it is a joy to work in a peaceful country like Malaysia, with some calling their time here a “blessing”.
On their days off, many flock to Komtar in George Town to shop or just stroll along the roads.
Myanmar citizen Myo Min Kyaw, 34, was seen buying groceries at the mall.
He has been living in Penang for almost 17 years, starting as a construction worker.
Currently, he is a customer service employee at a recruitment agency in Relau.
“When I arrived here many years ago, I was really worried about being far away from my family, but now, I feel Penang is much safer than my hometown,” he said.
Myo is content with his work now and loves being in Penang.
However, he still yearns to go back to his hometown in Bago and be with his family.
“I got married last year.
“I want my children to grow up with me by their side.
“Maybe in a few years, I will return to Myanmar for good,” he said.
Another Myanmar national, Tu Anh Lim, said he was thankful he could earn a good salary in Penang.
“I send most of the money to my family in Bagan, Myanmar.”
Tu, 30, who works as a kitchen helper at a restaurant, said he was happy to have the opportunity to work in Malaysia.
Another foreign worker met while shopping at Komtar was 27-year-old Indonesian Ratnasari Bambang.
She said working in Malaysia had been good for her.
“However, I still feel foreign workers should be paid fairly.
“My salary as a factory worker here is higher than what I would get in my country but I get less than my Malaysian colleagues who do the same work.”
Nonetheless, Ratnasari said she felt happy and safe in Malaysia.
She has been in Penang for four years and plans to stay a few more years before going back to her hometown.
In June 2022, the Statistics Department recorded 2.1 million foreigners working in various sectors in Malaysia.
