Malaysian advocates against child labor are hoping that The Global March Against Child Labor, which marched through Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur's Independence Square on Feb. 17, will raise awareness of the plight of children who work for their living. The General Board of Church and Society endorsed the global march. Advocates say the situation is worsening due to Malaysia's critical shortage of people to fill jobs.
Children also work in coffee shops, car mechanic shops, for salt manufacturers, and in carpentry.
Malaysia is developing so fast it needs to take its workforce from neighboring countries. Mere legal instruments cannot bring about social change. Two former child laborers, Nursidah of Indonesia and Jerry of South Africa described their experiences as child laborers. Satyarthi noted that the increase in child labor cannot be controlled, unless Malaysian or other Asian governments handle the present Asian economic crisis carefully. Although primary school is compulsory and free, child workers often do not earn enough to pay for bus fares, uniforms and books.