By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, Jan 22: Employers in Sarawak are encouraged to apply for foreign workers strictly based on their actual needs, supporting Sarawak’s push to foster a more efficient and transparent labour management ecosystem.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (labour, immigration, and project monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala highlighted that while Sarawak has approved numerous applications for foreign workers, the utilisation rate currently stands at only 60 per cent, leaving 40 per cent unutilised.
“Therefore, I would like to urge industries to apply for the number of foreign workers that they really need to implement their projects and if cost is also a major consideration,” he said during his opening speech at the FWTA system implementation briefing at Penview Convention Centre (PCC) Demak today.
Gerawat further explained that the RM1,854 fee per foreign worker is not merely a processing fee but reflects the comprehensive cost of establishing an effective immigration and labour management ecosystem.
The fee includes digitalising processes, providing proper infrastructure, and ensuring compliance with international labour standards.
The immigration and labour management ecosystem, developed through extensive consultation with stakeholders, aims at addressing challenges faced by industries while curbing illegal employment.
The use of foreign workers ID (FWID) cards would streamline verification processes, with enforcement operations involving agencies such as the Sarawak Immigration Department (JIMS), Labour Development (JTKS), police, Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS), and Immigration and Labour Management Unit (ILMU).
“Through the immigration and labour management system, we will be able to manage the hiring of foreign workers end-to-end starting from the application to the enforcement transparently, effectively and efficiently,” Gerawat said.
Gerawat, who is also Mulu assemblyman, emphasised the importance of compliance with the amended Sarawak Labour Ordinance (SLO), which includes mandatory provisions for proper housing, accommodation, and medical facilities for workers.
These measures align with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards, which Malaysia is committed to as a signatory to various conventions.
“The compliance to these requirements and standards are provided under ILO and SLO 2024 and the operationalisation of the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 are very important and significant in our effort to portray a better image and branding of Sarawak to the international communities,” he said.
Also attending are the President of Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) Dato Sri Abang Haji Abdul Karim Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Deputy Sarawak State Secretary (Administration) Datu Buckland Bangik, Director of ILMU Richard Lon, Director of Immigration Department of Malaysia, Sarawak, Haji Abdul Halim Abang Naili, and Director of Sarawak Labour Department, Awang Raduan Awang Omar. –DayakDaily
