Johari Ghani, the Minister of Plantation and Commodities, refuted the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers’ (FMM) assertion that penalizing companies for bringing in foreign workers without job opportunities would be unjust. He emphasized that the responsibility lies not only with recruitment agencies but also with companies, as the application to bring in foreign workers is contingent on demand and cooperation from these entities.

Responding to FMM President Soh Thian Lai’s statement about potential fraud by unscrupulous agents, Johari stressed the need for hefty fines if there is evidence of agencies using fake documents to manipulate quotas. He explained that the current system allows foreign workers to enter the country based on quotas applied for by companies. The critical issue, as Johari pointed out, is certain companies obtaining foreign worker quotas without corresponding job opportunities and subsequently profiting by selling these quotas to other companies, a practice he deemed as human trafficking or forced labor.

Johari insisted that companies and agencies engaging in such irresponsible practices should face more severe penalties. In a previous announcement, he advocated for fines of up to RM30,000 per worker for companies bringing in migrant workers without ready jobs, with the fines intended to offset government expenses incurred in repatriating these workers.

He clarified that the call for fines is not automatic but contingent on thorough investigations into each case. Johari justified the need for stricter measures, citing the potential strain on resources, including subsidies, healthcare, and infrastructure, if foreign workers remain unemployed. Additionally, he expressed concerns about the risks associated with unemployed foreign workers engaging in criminal activities and contributing to social problems.

Johari emphasized the importance of compassion for the plight of foreign workers and the necessity of addressing unscrupulous practices causing their difficulties. Meanwhile, a director from a Selangor-based manufacturing company revealed being victimized by a scam involving over 30 workers brought into the country without the company’s knowledge. The director highlighted the forgery of the company’s representatives’ signatures on relevant documents and expressed frustration over the unresolved matter despite extensive investigations.