Life in Limbo for TN man stuck in Malaysia

By G Saravanan

Published in The New Indian Express, Chennai on September 7, 2011:

Source:http://expressbuzz.com/states/tamilnadu/life-in-limbo-for-tn-man-stuck-in-malaysia/311471.html

CHENNAI: Life of a Tamil Nadu-based crane operator, who is recuperating from a psychiatric ailment in Kuala Lumpur and needs to return to India immediately for further treatment, is stuck in a limbo as the Indian High Commission (IHC) in the Malaysian capital remains evasive on a plea for the man’s quick repatriation.

“Though the IHC has special wings for rescue of abused workers and needy citizens in the country, they are not ready to take up the case of the Tuticorin-based Dilton, who was advised by a doctor to return India for further treatment,” social worker T Kamalanathan told Express.

Since 45-year-old Dilton’s passport has been in the illegal custody of his employer, his homebound journey could be initiated only by the IHC by issuing an Emergency Certificate (EC), Kamalanathan told Express.

Despite Kamalanathan’s best efforts for the past few months, IHC authorities are yet to look into the issue.

Dilton, before moving to Malaysia in September last year, was working in Dubai as a crane operator for 15 years. Hoping for a brighter future, he moved to Malaysia and joined as a crane operator with Mosara Holding Sdn.bhd Company.  In the meantime, Dilton lost his wife and it led to psychiatric problems as he needed to support his two children back in India.

According to Kamalanathan, Dilton received a first month salary of 550 Ringgit Malaysia against the promised RM 1,200. As Dilton demanded the promised pay, the employer asked him to quit. When Dilton asked his employer to return his passport, he asked Dilton to pay RM 6,000 to collect it.

Dejected Dilton sought the help IHC through a Malaysian man, but the High Commission officials turned down his plea and asked Dilton to go back to his employer for remedy.

When Dilton was found loitering at Little India area, Kamalanathan rescued him from the streets and admitted him to the General Hospital Kuala Lumpur.  Despite the psychiatrist at the hospital advising to send Dilton to India for further treatment, the IHC was yet to respond.

Efforts to get a response from the High Commission officials in Kuala Lumpur remained futile.