‘Anti-Ali Baba law can stem influx of migrant workers'
Published on: Tuesday, January 02, 2024
By: FMT
The proposed ‘anti-Ali Baba’ law together with a credible recruitment system and holistic enforcement will help resolve the problem of undocumented foreign workers, according to FMM president Soh Thian Lai.
PETALING JAYA: The country’s largest manufacturer’s group has backed the proposed “anti-Ali Baba” legislation, saying it will help stem the influx of undocumented foreign workers into the country.
Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) president Soh Thian Lai claimed “Ali Baba” practises were the main reason for the large number of undocumented foreign workers in the country.
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He said in the past, outsourcing companies or agents were allowed to bring in foreign workers as outsourced employees, rather than workers for specific industries.
Many workers brought in through such channels with the promise of employment ended up being left in the lurch without proper documentation, Soh said in a statement.
“Despite the abolishment of the outsourcing policy, it is very disturbing to note that workers are (still) being brought into the country without secured jobs,” he said, adding that it showed there were “major weaknesses” in the recruitment process.
Soh said the proposed “anti-Ali Baba” law, coupled with a credible recruitment system and holistic enforcement can help resolve the undocumented foreign workers problem.
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On Dec 24, economy minister Rafizi Ramli said the proposed “anti-Ali Baba” legislation to end rent-seeking practices could be used against business owners who abuse their licences, which had led to an increase of foreign-controlled establishments in the city centre.
Soh said the proposed legislation should also serve as a deterrent against local businessmen and foreigners from abusing licences issued by the authorities.
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“We strongly urge the government to fast-track this legislation.”
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