KUALA LUMPUR: The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) welcomes the Human Resources Ministry’s initiative to develop a pathway enabling the direct hiring of foreign workers.
ACCCIM president Datuk Ng Yih Pyng described the move as a positive step towards reducing high recruitment costs and addressing the lack of transparency in the recruitment process.
While the chamber supports the development of a clear direct recruitment framework, Ng emphasised that the application and approval mechanisms must be enhanced.
"The processes must be streamlined, shifting towards digitalisation to enhance efficiency.
"These include a centralised approval system, as well as consistency and clear interpretation of guidelines," he said in a statement on Thursday (Feb 5)
Ng added that the chamber stands ready to engage and work with both the Home Ministry and the Human Resources Ministry to ensure the implementation of a sustainable and efficient recruitment framework.
ACCCIM was responding to the recent announcement by the Human Resources Ministry that it is formulating a new digital platform to allow employers to recruit foreign workers directly.
On Feb 4, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan told The Star that the ministry is in the process of developing a mechanism to eliminate the role of middlemen and agents.
He noted that a direct hiring system would help employers cut down on excessive costs and protect foreign workers from exploitation, particularly regarding exorbitant recruitment fees.
The proposed platform, which is expected to be ready later this year, aims to provide a transparent and more regulated channel for industries to meet their workforce needs.
