In a bold move to shed light on the unfair treatment of interns, a determined final-year student from Universiti Malaya is taking a stand.
As the government recently increased the minimum wage to RM1.5k, it failed to include interns in this policy, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation by companies.
Starting my internship next semester, so Ill be walking around with this to express my worry.
— rashifa (@youngaljunied) June 14, 2023
The gov increased min wage of RM1.5k, but this policy didnt include interns.
Interns are unprotected by the employment act in Malaysia, hence the risk of exploitation by companies. pic.twitter.com/gxr6qmkZyq
With the cost of living in Kuala Lumpur skyrocketing, interns face the daunting challenge of covering rent, food, and transportation without receiving a minimum wage.
This is why the student firmly believes that interns deserve to be paid with dignity and treated as valuable contributors to the companies or services they serve.
Living in KL, how am I supposed to pay rent, food and transportation when Im not paid with a minimum wage at least?
— rashifa (@youngaljunied) June 14, 2023
Which is why I believe that interns should be paid with dignity, and treated as employees to the companies or service that they serve.
No more exploitation.
Under the banner of the #InternBukanBuruhPercuma campaign, spearheaded by @demokratiksiswa, the fight for dignified wages for interns begins. It's time to put an end to the culture of exploitation.
#InternBukanBuruhPercuma will be a campaign that @demokratiksiswa will be fighting for.
— rashifa (@youngaljunied) June 14, 2023
Lack of dignified wages should be fought for. By the mahasiswa, for the mahasiswa.
The lack of fair compensation should be a concern fought for not just by interns, but by the entire student community. The campaign aims to raise awareness and initiate conversations about this pressing issue.
To give more context, Im a final year student in Universiti Malaya.
— rashifa (@youngaljunied) June 14, 2023
Ill be wearing this placard and walking around uni with it. I always believe that raising awareness on issues is the best first step anyone can take.
If you see me, lets have a conversation about it! https://t.co/Nksc8tEzYE
Sharing the context, the student reveals their plan to wear a placard and walk around the university campus, sparking discussions with anyone interested in joining the cause.
And do not get me started on how UM requires their student to PAY university fees DURING internship semesters.
— rashifa (@youngaljunied) June 14, 2023
Like were not going to classes or anything so why should we pay the same amount of fees like usual semesters? https://t.co/Nksc8tEzYE
By bringing attention to the issue, they hope to ignite change and ensure that interns receive the respect and remuneration they deserve.
Netizens have expressed their thoughts and shared their own experiences.
Stories of companies hiring more interns to evade minimum wage requirements and interns struggling to make ends meet on meagre allowances highlight the urgent need for reform.
The comments also reveal generational divides, with some frustrated by the lack of understanding from older generations.
The fight for fair compensation for interns is not just about monetary value; it's about recognizing the hard work, dedication, and potential of these young individuals.
As the campaign gains momentum, it is hoped that more companies and institutions will address the issue and take steps to provide interns with the respect and compensation they deserve.
