Human Resources Ministry to ensure efficient management of foreign workers, says Sivakumar

Despite past weaknesses, the Human Resources Ministry is committed to effective management of foreign workers, according to Minister V. Sivakumar.

Sivakumar stated that the ministry has taken numerous steps to ensure the efficient management of foreign workers through the Foreign Workers Integrated Management System (ePPAx) and Foreign Workers Centralised Management System (FWCMS).

He also emphasized that the Labour Department has been directed to take strict action against employers or agents found to be bringing foreign workers to the country without proper employment or placement.

Following the release of the Auditor General’s Report 2022, Sivakumar addressed the recommendation for the Human Resources Ministry and the Home Ministry to discuss and determine full responsibility for the foreign worker management system while taking into account the needs of all stakeholders.

In other news, Sivakumar mentioned that the Labour Department has not received any complaints about the actions of a Muslim Chinese restaurant in the capital, which reportedly terminated an employee for wearing a cross at work.

He assured that his ministry would investigate the matter if a complaint is received before deciding on any actions against the restaurant.

Regarding the Prime Minister’s Golden Hand Award (MATEPM) and Skilled Person Award ceremony, Sivakumar highlighted that MATEPM is the highest award given to the best overall winner in the WorldSkills Malaysia Belia (Youth) (WSMB) and WorldSkills Malaysia Pengajar (Teacher) (WSMP) competitions, recognizing individuals who excel in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

He also noted the increase in participants as a positive indicator of youth’s strong interest in pursuing success in the field of skills. The national-level skills competitions, including WSMB, WSMP, and JuniorSkills Malaysia (JSM), saw a total of 1,467 participants, with 349 making it to the final stage competition.

At the ceremony, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim presented the Prime Minister’s Golden Hand Award to Muhammad Hakimi Abu Bakar and Mohd Fairuz Hamdzah, while the Skilled Person Award went to Datuk Shamsuddin Amran. – Bernama