Lack of computer literacy seems to be a stumbling block

PETALING JAYA: A lack of computer literacy seems to be a stumbling block for employers seeking to use the MyEG service for renewal of work permits.

Media consultant Cherry Lim, 36, said the system was inconvenient for people who were not computer literate.

“I am due to renew my maid’s permit next month yet I am unsure how to go about it,” she said.

The renewal service, which used to be free, now costs RM38 under MyEG, excluding the Immigration Department’s processing fee of RM125.

Valeria Low, 45, who had been renewing her maid’s permit by herself, said she found the MyEG online system quite complicated.

“I ended up using the services of a maid agency to renew the permit,” she said.

Low said the two-month deadline imposed by MyEG was also another issue as previously renewals could be submitted a day or two before expiry of the permits.

Justin Lock, 34, however said it was much more convenient to use MyEG.

Lock, who has 30 foreign workers in his cleaning services company, said he had been renewing permits online for the past three years.

“I do not mind paying the additional RM38 because I don’t have to wake up very early just to line up for a number at the Immigration Department,” he said.

Lock said there would already be queues at the entrance before 8am.

“In addition, you will have to return to the department the next day to collect the worker’s passport. If you renew online, MyEG delivers the documents to your address,” he said.

He added that MyEG had enabled him to bypass runners, who usually charged between RM100 and RM300.

Another agency owner who wanted to be known only as Syed Syahril, said the Government’s move was too sudden and did not leave time for industry players to react.

“The public must have the option to choose between MyEG or agency,” he said.

Syed Syahril claimed that many of his clients had to take time off from work to send their workers for health screening.

President of the Malaysian Maid Employers Association, Engku Ahmad Fauzi Engku Muhsein, was non-commital when asked to comment on the issue.

“We support the Government’s efforts to create a system that can better facilitate worker permit renewals,” he said.

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