KUALA LUMPUR: According to employers, the recently introduced compulsory annual medical screening for foreign workers is a significant financial burden. They are now calling for the decision to be delayed.
They claim that they were not consulted on the new ruling and the increase in screening fees, which would result in an additional cost of RM414 million per year for employers.
President of the Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma), Datuk Jawahar Ali Taib Khan, stated that the policy was announced through a memo by Fomema Sdn Bhd on Dec 16 last year.
“The business associations only found out about this increase in medical fees and the need for annual tests through Fomema’s website.
“There was no official announcement by the authorities,” he said.
Jawahar suggested that it should be reviewed to examine its implications and to allow a collaborative effort between relevant authorities and stakeholders to find solutions that uphold the principles of fairness and equality for all employees, regardless of nationality.
“Our question now is: what is the rationale behind the new policy?” he asked at a press conference at Presma’s headquarters in Sentul, here yesterday.
Speaking on behalf of other stakeholders, such as the Federation of Malaysian Business Associations (FMBA), Jawahar said there had been no discussions or feedback taken from the industry players.
“Fomema unilaterally increased the fees by between 10% and 14%. With about two million foreign workers, that would be RM414mil extra per year.
“We object to the decision and urge Fomema to reinstate the previous medical screening fees and the frequency involving foreign workers,” he said.
The health examination charges by Fomema were previously RM190 for males and RM207 for female foreign workers, covering screening for HIV, Hepatitis B, syphilis, pregnancy, and the use of opiates and cannabis.
The fees have now been increased to RM207 for males and RM217 for females, and have been expanded to include three new categories: filariasis (roundworm), Hepatitis C, and methamphetamine.
Fomema announced on Jan 3 that the fresh intake of foreign workers must undergo mandatory health screenings annually, whereas previously, they were required to undergo screening after three years, followed by screenings in alternate years.
Jawahar also said the mandatory tests for diabetes and high blood pressure among foreign workers should be reviewed.
“Fomema fails foreign workers if they have diabetes and high blood pressure.
“Both conditions are not infectious, non-communicable diseases, and can be treated.
“The United Arab Emirates and Singapore do not practice this (testing for diabetes and high blood pressure), and they only perform medical screenings once every two years,” he said.
Jawahar said Fomema must also provide a copy of the medical report to employers, which was not previously shared.
