Govt to look for better mechanism to help employers hire foreign workers, says Sivakumar

BATU GAJAH: The government is looking for the best mechanism to allow employers to hire foreign workers without going through agencies, says V. Sivakumar.

The Human Resources Minister said several efforts have been taken to ensure that no agencies are making high profits from hiring foreign workers.

“Just a few weeks ago, the Home Minister (Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail) went to Nepal, Indonesia and Bangladesh to discuss this matter.

“We are fully aware of the situation and rest assured that the government is working hard to resolve this matter,” he told reporters after attending the 5th Malaysian Railway Academy convocation here on Thursday (Feb 9).

On Jan 26, National Association of Private Employment Agencies Malaysia (Papsma) objected to agency-monopoly that uses the existing digital system to exploit the influx of foreign workers, especially from Bangladesh.

In a statement on Jan 31, Saifuddin said Indonesia welcomed a policy change and the alignment of foreign worker management functions in Malaysia.

On Wednesday (Feb 8), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the practice of using agents when hiring foreign workers should be relooked.

Sivakumar, who is also Batu Gajah MP, said the move would help to reduce the cost borne by employers.

“Even the Prime Minister, in his recent speech, has encouraged employers hiring foreign workers to do a ‘direct deal’ with their applications instead of going through agencies as they may be charged more.

“A better mechanism is needed to reduce the cost of employers in hiring the foreign workers,” he said.