Malaysia is a developing country with almost 30 million people in total population. Out of that figures, two million are legally employed foreign workers and it is estimated two million more are undocumented. Recognising the crucial role of foreign labour power in building the modern nation, Malaysia became a working hub in the South East Asian region for foreign labour by signing MoU with its neighbouring countries. Malaysia was never a country that produced foreign labour, but an accepting country of these agreements. However, things are different in Australia as Malaysian immigrants are on top of the list of illegal workers after workers from China, mostly over-stayed their visas with no intention of returning home. The numbers rocketed from 4640 in 2011 to 7080 in 2014.
The Fresh Food People explore the story of promises and the pursuit of happiness among Malaysian migrant workers. Malaysian especially young graduates came to work in Australia to earn easy cash to settle their debt and start a new life. Openly advertised by agents on Facebook, sugarcoating labels are often used such as work while on holiday, easy earned big cash, and so on; without knowing that there are hidden charges behind that payment like rent and transportation to work fees.
Over the period of 5 months in Australia, I explored their stories aiming that at the end of this project I will have a better understanding and ability to reflect on a bigger topic that is happening in Malaysia.