MayDay

Happy Labors' Day! I don't think it's too late to wish all the workers Labors' Day today because today is replacement public holiday for it right? What did you do during Labors' Day? 

I went to a MayDay parade at Dang Wangi. The issue highlighted was 'Harga Barang Naik, Gaji Bila Lagi?' untuk menuntut akta gaji minimum (Price hike, and demand for minimum wage act) How can you survive with a salary less than RM1000 with the increasing price of goods? As a student, I think I spend more than RM500 per month, just for the house rental, utility bills, daily meals, transportation to class.

According to the MayDay fliers, Malaysia has a very high differences between the rich and the poor in Southeast Asia. Minister of Human Resources state that 34% of the workers' salary is under the poverty line which is RM720. 'Minimum Wage Act' is a good way to reduce poverty amongst worker especially the estate workers and factory workers where their average salary is only around RM800. Moreover, this act can be as an appreciation to their hard work for the development of this country.

That was my first time watching such parade and I am so touched with the spirit of the people who stand for the workers' rights and  the solidarity among everyone there.

Actually I was one of the volunteers to distribute foods and drinks to the supporters. 

The arrested protester/activist/leader:

These are some of the pictures taken during the MayDay parade. 

 

Harga pakaian naik! 

 

 

 'Jika Pekerjaan begitu menyenangkang,

yang kaya tentu menyimpannya untuk diri sendiri'

'Pergi mampus! Jangan Kapitalis'

'Jangan perdagangkan kami'

'We can stop violence against women'

I think this is one of the NGOs

What can we do to protect them? They should get what they should earn, not using/abusing them. They are human too! They worked so hard yet earn so little. Maybe we are in our comfort zone where we can survive with what we earn now, but how about them?

More info about MayDay

p/s: I'm just volunteering for this event, and I've learned something new. 

Dear God, 

IF this is what You want me to do, 

I surrender everything according to your plan.

Amen!