KUALA LUMPUR: Employment agencies are calling for a full assessment of the economic and industry-wide implications of the proposed Universal Recruitment Advanced Platform (Turap) before any decision is made.
The Association of Employment Agencies Malaysia (Papa) said a comprehensive, independent and industry impact assessment must be carried out before moving ahead with the system.
It urged the Prime Minister to direct the Economy Ministry, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority and relevant agencies to assess the potential economic, business, labour market and investment implications of the digital system to manage and streamline foreign worker recruitment.
It said the assessment should cover the readiness of employers, particularly small and medium enterprises, to comply with recruitment requirements, the financial implications and additional cost burdens that may arise.
It should also cover the potential impact on labour-intensive industries facing worker shortages, added the association.
Papa also called for assessments on possible implications for Malaysia’s competitiveness as an investment destination and the broader economic impact on business sustainability, productivity and employment creation.
Another aspect it highlighted was the compatibility of the Turap proposal with existing legislation and its implications for current recruitment processes and industry stakeholders.
“The findings should be made available to relevant stakeholders and duly considered before any government decision is made regarding the adoption of the Turap proposal,” it said in a statement.
It added that any future foreign worker recruitment framework should continue to recognise and preserve the role of licensed private employment agencies as provided under the Private Employment Agencies Act 1981 and related legislation.
“Any proposed system should complement, and not replace, diminish, bypass or undermine the legitimate functions and responsibilities and commercial participation of licensed employment agencies operating in accordance with Malaysian law,” it said.
These were among the resolutions passed at the association’s annual general meeting yesterday.
Papa said meaningful consultation should also be carried out with stakeholders, including employers, industry associations, chambers of commerce, licensed employment agencies, workers representatives and relevant professional bodies.
“This provides stakeholders with sufficient information to evaluate the operational, legal, financial and economic implications of the proposed system,” Papa said.
“The government should also ensure appropriate transparency regarding the governance framework, operational structure, accountability mechanisms, data management arrangements and financial implications associated with the Turap proposal,” it added.
In April, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the proposed Turap system would be presented to the Cabinet for deliberation before the ministry takes an official position.
