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Economic conditions

Malaysia Introduces Hi-Tech Workers' Cards for Foreign Workers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Malaysia has announced that from November, all foreign workers registered in the country will be required to carry workers' cards embedded with security features, including biometric fingerprint systems that cannot be forged. The new cards will be color-coded according to employment sectors, enabling workers to move around freely while performing their jobs. The move aims to streamline the hiring process and monitor the employment of foreign workers more effectively. Currently, there are 1.9 million foreign workers in Malaysia, many of whom are Indonesians.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Malaysian government will introduce hi-tech workers' cards for all foreign workers, with biometric fingerprint systems and color-coded according to employment sectors.
  • The new cards will enable workers to move around freely while performing their jobs, and employers will be required to register their workers with the new system.
  • Employers keen to engage Bangladeshi workers can apply now through approved labor supply companies, and those hiring less than 50 workers must go through approved labor supply companies.
  • The government lifted the ban on recruiting Bangladeshi workers on July 11, after it was frozen in 1996 due to indiscipline problems and social-ills.
  • There are currently 1.9 million foreign workers in Malaysia, many of whom are Indonesians.
  • Employers can apply directly or through approved labor supply firms to hire more than 50 workers.
  • The new system aims to streamline the hiring process and monitor the employment of foreign workers more effectively.

Statistics:

  • 1.9 million: The number of foreign workers currently in Malaysia.
  • 1996: The year the government stopped the intake of Bangladeshi workers due to indiscipline problems and social-ills.
  • 50: The threshold for employers to go through approved labor supply companies to hire foreign workers.
  • July 11: The date on which the government lifted the ban on recruiting Bangladeshi workers.

Sources:

  • (BERNAMA-OANA) 01-08 1259

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