Govt Discussing Foreign Worker Recruitment Cost Structure With Source Countries

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Deputy human resources minister Abdul Rahman Mohamad said establishing a cost structure was in line with the National Action Plan on Forced Labour 2021-2025. (Bernama pic)
KUALA LUMPUR: The human resources ministry is in discussion with source countries to establish a cost structure for foreign worker recruitment into Malaysia.
Deputy minister Abdul Rahman Mohamad said this is aligned with the ministry’s commitment under the National Action Plan on Forced Labour 2021-2025, which focuses on transparency and ensuring zero costs for workers in the recruitment process.
“This will be shared with all stakeholders, including government agencies in Sabah and Sarawak, employers, trade unions, private recruitment agencies and other relevant bodies,” he told the Dewan Rakyat today.
Rahman was responding to Riduan Rubin (Independent-Tenom) who asked if the ministry planned to set a ceiling price for hiring foreign workers in Sabah and the measures being taken to reduce the impact of recruitment costs.
Rahman said the ministry would also review the agreed-upon recruitment costs with source countries and disclose them to empowerment and recruitment agencies.
“It is important to provide a clear picture of the costs involved in recruiting foreign workers, thus helping employers plan more effectively and transparently.”
Rahman added that the ministry was considering several other initiatives to reduce the financial burden on employers, including a pre-employment programme to inform potential foreign workers about the job types and associated costs in Malaysia.
“This approach is expected to improve the welfare of foreign workers and make it easier for employers to find workers who are truly prepared,” he said.
According to Rahman, the ministry wants to encourage employers to reduce their reliance on foreign workers by transitioning to automation or mechanisation.
This, he said, would not only boost the long-term competitiveness of the business sector but also modernise work processes. - FMT

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