KUALA LUMPUR: The recruitment of foreign workers into Malaysia must be based on actual sectoral needs and demands, not driven by business interests or profit-making motives, says Human Resources Minister Steven Sim (pic).
In a statement issued by the Human Resources Ministry yesterday, Sim said the ministry’s approach aligns with efforts to ensure a more transparent, ethical and jointly responsible labour management system.
The statement followed Sim’s courtesy meeting on Thursday with Dr Asif Nazrul, adviser to the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment of Bangladesh and Lutfey Siddiqi, Bangladesh’s Special Envoy for International Affairs.
According to the statement, Malaysia and Bangladesh also agreed to strengthen the technical coordination mechanism for labour management through the joint working group meeting.
“The next meeting is scheduled to take place on May 21 and 22 in Dhaka,” it said, Bernama reported.
In the meeting, which aims to strengthen both countries’ commitment to improving governance in labour management, the ministry said Malaysia also shared its long-term strategy to reduce dependence on foreign workers.
Towards that end, the ministry said the government is in the process of implementing a multi-tier levy system, which will not only encourage the hiring of local workers but also help build a more sustainable and competitive labour market.
Additionally, Malaysia expressed appreciation to the Bangladesh government for recognising its efforts in tackling abuse and misconduct in labour management processes.
