ISKANDAR MALAYSIA TO HAVE MORE FOREIGN WORKER ENCLAVES

JOHOR BAHARU (Malaysia), April 30 (Bernama) -- Locals living in Iskandar
Malaysia can look forward to a safer and more conducive living environment with
the introduction of a foreign worker's enclave equipped with double-layer
fencing, close circuit television (CCTV) and 24-hour security.

Situated in Taman Universiti, Skudai, the "Princess Villa" as it is named,
is the first foreign worker's enclave in Iskandar Malaysia and the authorities
plan to set up similar enclaves within the economic corridor in the future.

"The enclave is set to be a benchmark for all foreign workers' enclaves in
Iskandar Malaysia and aims to cater to the large number of foreign workers in
Gelang Patah and Nusajaya.

"Similar enclaves are planned for other flagship zones in Iskandar Malaysia
and eventually to other industrial and commercial areas in Johor," chief
executive officer of Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) Harun
Johari told reporters here Thursday.

Earlier, Harun and Nusajaya assemblyman Abdul Aziz Sapian visited the
"Princess Villa" comprising six blocks of flats which can house 4,500 foreign
workers at any one time.

"Princess Villa" which is managed by a private company, Stor Tawakkal Sdn
Bhd, also has biometric attendance and access systems and dedicated wardens,
while its panic button system is connected directly to police for emergency
purposes.

Curfew hours will also be imposed to better manage the movement of
workers
and non-compliance to curfew will be reported to employers and relevant
authorities, according to IRDA.

The enclave said Harun, is a long-term plan using the best practices to
mitigate risks associated with poorly managed unskilled foreign workers in
areas of security, safety, health and environment.

He also said, a centralized Construction Worker's Camp is also being
developed by Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) at Medini, Nusajaya, covering an
area of 16 acres, that can accommodate up to 5,000 foreign workers.

The facility which is scheduled to come on stream by Nov this year, would
also have a surau, nine units of shops, a clinic, a dining hall with 10 stalls
and a police beat, he said.

These managed foreign workers' enclave said Harun, are positive
interventions - one of the 46 initiatives recommended by the Iskandar Malaysia
Safety and Security Framework, to mitigate safety and security risks.


-- BERNAMA