Malaysia vetting 200,000 applications for Bangladeshi workers

The Malaysian human resources ministry has received 200,000 applications for Bangladeshi foreign workers, which are presently being vetted, said M Saravanan.

The Malaysian human resources minister said the workers will be allowed for all sectors once the process is completed.

"We are also hoping to sign the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Indonesia to bring in foreign maids on March 17 in Bali," said Saravanan at a press conference after launching HRD Corp Open Day today.

"Many of the issues with Indonesia have been ironed out and we are 'seeing the light at the end of the tunnel' on the MOU and hopefully it happens, unless there are any changes," he added.

Saravanan said induction courses will be made compulsory for all foreign workers who are brought into the country to create awareness on their rights while they are there.

"No agents will be used to bring in foreign workers, as employers will have to recruit workers directly to eliminate the issue of abuse by agents."

Saravanan said there will not be any more special approvals for ministers to bring in foreign workers and E-wages system will be implemented where foreign workers must be paid salaries by the seventh of every month.

On the amendments to the Employment Bill to increase the paternity leave from three days to seven days, Saravanan said it will be tabled for reading and approval in the next Parliament sitting.

Copyright: The Star/ Asia News Network