Employers regret not registering workers earlier

PUTRAJAYA: As the crowd swelled at the Immigration Department headquarters here ahead of the E-Card registration deadline, several employers met by The Star are regretting their inaction earlier.

A contractor, who wanted to be known only as Chang, said he had been queuing up since 6.30am with 10 of his workers.

When asked why he waited until the last minute to register, Chang said he was unaware of the deadline until he saw photos of large crowds at several Immigration offices.

“I knew we were given a period of time to register but I was not aware of the actual date until a few days ago.

“Hopefully, I will be able to register them on time,” said Chang.

Another contractor, David Ho, said he needed to register 25 more workers from Bangladesh for a project in Kuala Lumpur.

“I have already registered some workers since February but needed more,” he said, urging the department to consider giving them more time.

Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) urged the department to extend the deadline to Feb 15 next year to coincide with the closing date of the workers’ rehiring programme.

“We hope the Government will consider simplifying the procedure for E-Card registration to better encourage more employers to register their illegal workers.

“MBAM recommends that the Government stop collecting the RM600 upfront charges under the (workers’ rehiring) programme as it could impact the registration process,” said MBAM president Foo Chek Lee in a statement.

Foo said the construction sector was facing a shortage of workers and that the situation could cripple the industry.

“MBAM appeals to the Government to temporarily defer any action or raids on construction sites until all the pressing issues are resolved,” he said.