A special meeting has been scheduled for January 16 between the Home and Human Resources ministries, aiming to comprehensively address issues related to foreign workers. The primary proposal is to freeze foreign worker quota applications, with the intention of presenting this to the cabinet. In a joint statement, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim emphasized their commitment to tackling the exploitation of foreign workers, which often leads to forced labor and human trafficking.

To enforce these measures, the ministries have outlined seven actions, including legal measures under various acts such as the Immigration Act 1959/63, Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, Employment Act 1955, and the Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodation and Employee Facilities Act 1990. These legal measures include fines of up to RM50,000 for offenses like neglecting salary payments and failing to provide suitable living conditions for employees.

Furthermore, the proposed penalties include severe consequences for employers found guilty of such offenses. This may include blacklisting, cancellation of quotas, and revocation of Conditional Approval Letters. The ministers also announced plans for inspections on employers utilizing the Foreign Worker Employment Relaxation Plan, underscoring the government’s commitment to eradicating any forms of neglect and exploitation of foreign workers.

This initiative comes in the wake of a specific incident on December 20, where 171 Bangladeshis were detained in Johor. These individuals had attempted to report their agent for failing to provide jobs after three to six months. The subsequent actions taken against the responsible company, such as blacklisting and legal measures, highlight the government’s determination to address issues surrounding the treatment of foreign workers comprehensively.