By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, Jan 22: Over 280 companies have embraced the Foreign Workers Transformation Approach (FWTA) system following its implementation on January 15, 2025, highlighting Sarawak’s strong push towards a digitalised and efficient labour management ecosystem.
According to Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (labour, immigration, and project monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala, FWTA is a vital component in transforming Sarawak’s immigration and labour management system.
He also noted that the FWTA is not merely a digitalisation process but part of a broader ecosystem designed to enhance service delivery to employers while supporting the recruitment and management of foreign workers.
“Here, it is pertinent for me to reiterate that the digitalisation process is just one component of the ecosystem, and this is being executed through the implementation of FWTA.
“We (Immigration and Labour Management Unit) want to deliver the services to your doorstep,” said Gerawat during his opening speech at the FWTA system implementation briefing at Penview Convention Centre (PCC) Demak today.
Additionally, he explained that the fees associated with FWTA cover critical components such as the development of integrated regional offices in the southern, central, and northern regions of Sarawak, internationally certified equipment, customised vehicles for service delivery, and digital technology infrastructure.
“The fee does not merely cover the cost for processing fees associated in the issuance of AP, Labour License, visa with reference (VDR), SAHFIS, and foreign worker identity card (FWID),” he emphasised.
To further support the industries, Gerawat urged businesses encountering issues with the FWTA system to contact the technical support helpdesk for immediate assistance.
“I wish to assure the industries that we always welcome any constructive feedback especially suggestions on how we can further enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the immigration and labour management ecosystem in Sarawak as we aspire to become a developed State by 2030,” he concluded. –DayakDaily
