Hamzah: Many requests but no decision yet on foreign workers
IPOH: The country has yet to open its doors to new foreign workers in view of the pandemic, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said.
He said there were at least 40,000 foreign workers required to be placed in the plantation sector.
“There have been many requests from the plantation sector to hire foreign workers but we have yet to have a policy on opening the country to allow these foreign workers (to come in).”
Hamzah told reporters this after attending the Program Malaysia Prihatin at Dewan Serbaguna Bandar Baru Tambun here yesterday.
He said there were several requirements that needed to be considered by the government before implementing the policy.
“Firstly, we need to follow scientific data from the Health Ministry and the strict standard operating procedures should we allow them to enter the country.
“For example, if we want to allow someone into our country, we have to conduct (Covid-19) tests on them, quarantine them and give them vaccination. Who is going to pay for all these?
“We must also make sure that the employers have prepared accommodation for all the workers after they complete the processes.
“I don’t think it is wrong for them to enter the country. But at this moment, such a policy is still not allowed,” he added.
Hamzah said if employers and foreign workers follow and adhere to all the SOP, then they could be allowed into the country.
On a separate matter, Hamzah said the ministry would investigate employers who tip off the Immigration Department on illegal foreign workets to avoid paying their wages.
“It is a very subjective matter. Firstly, those accused are the employers. Whatever strategy we take on this matter is to make
sure that these employers follow the law and pay the levy.
“If there is an issue of foreign workers not being paid their salaries, we will investigate and seek justice for them,” he said.