LETTER | Undocumented workers: Ramp up workplace inspections

LETTER | The issue of foreign workers in Malaysia has always come to the fore. Some argue that their employment is of utmost importance in some sectors, especially construction and manufacturing, where there is a shortage of unskilled workers.

Others claim that hiring foreign workers can result in many Malaysians being unemployed. Therefore, it is challenging to draw a conclusion on whether employing foreign workers yields more advantages or disadvantages.

However, if the situation spirals out of control, the pros, of course, will outweigh the cons.

Statistics reveal an escalating reliance on foreign workers in Malaysia, with a marked increase from 249,100 in 1990 to 1,997,800 in 2021.

In 1990, foreign workers constituted 3.6 percent of the total workforce, and this figure increased significantly to 12.6 percent in 2021.

Notably, the number of foreign workers exceeded 2 million each year from 2013 to 2020, and it is believed that many more foreign workers entered Malaysia illegally. Left unreported, they pose a potential menace to the economy and even society.

Therefore, when formulating policies on foreign workers, attention must also be given to the presence of illegal workers to ensure that the policies do not have serious repercussions for the economy.

In an effort to control the number of foreign workers, a quota system for applications and approvals was introduced last year. This effort has much to commend it.

Nonetheless, a concerning issue is the prevalence of undocumented foreign workers. This was evident in a recent incident where the Immigration Department apprehended 3,261 individuals, and 35 employers were arrested for hiring undocumented foreign workers.

To prevent more undocumented foreign workers from entering the country, increased and regular workplace inspections, along with vigilant monitoring, and heavier penalties can act as a deterrent to businesses hiring undocumented workers.

Strict enforcement and close observation by the government can discourage illegal hiring practices, ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining a fair job market.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.