DistantNews

Malaysia studies new digital platform for foreign worker hiring

From The Straits Times · (2d ago) English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Malaysia's Ministry of Human Resources is exploring a new digital platform to streamline foreign worker hiring.
  • The proposed system would allow direct recruitment with employers bearing all costs, countering reports of a finalized decision.
  • The ministry is evaluating various proposals and has made no commitments to any parties, despite a Bloomberg report on a specific system developed by Bestinet Sdn Bhd.

KUALA LUMPUR – The Ministry of Human Resources is actively exploring innovative solutions to enhance the foreign worker recruitment process, signaling a commitment to efficiency and transparency. While recent reports have suggested a decision has been made regarding a new digital platform, the Ministry clarifies that all proposals are currently under thorough evaluation.

All the proposals are still in the evaluation stage and have not been decided and no commitments, appointments or agreements have been made with any parties to date.

— Ministry of Human ResourcesResponding to reports about a new foreign worker system.

This initiative aims to establish a direct recruitment channel, ensuring that recruitment costs are exclusively borne by employers. This approach is designed to create a more equitable system and prevent the undue financial burden often placed on foreign workers. The Ministry emphasizes that no commitments or agreements have been finalized with any third parties to date, underscoring the ongoing nature of the evaluation process.

the matter is still in discussion and that he saw no issue with adopting a new system developed by Bestinet.

— Ramanan RamakrishnanHuman Resources Minister's comment to the New Straits Times.

While acknowledging reports about a specific system developed by Bestinet Sdn Bhd, the Ministry reiterates that these are merely proposals under consideration. The government's position remains that a comprehensive review is necessary before any definitive steps are taken. This measured approach reflects a dedication to making informed decisions that will benefit all stakeholders involved in the foreign worker ecosystem.

Malaysia didn’t need a new recruitment system, and that any project related to national security shouldn’t be done in a public-private partnership.

— Rafizi RamliFormer economy minister's statement.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.