KUALA LUMPUR – The Bangladesh High Commission here launched employment portal “Chakrir Khoj” without prior consultation or notification to the Human Resources Ministry, said Datuk Seri M. Saravanan.
The minister, who is appalled with the action, said it is unreasonable for the high commission to launch the website, which goes against the roles and responsibilities of a foreign diplomatic mission.
He said the portal not only contradicts Putrajaya’s plans to manage the actual demand of foreign labour in the country, but can also tarnish the image of the government and ministry.
“The action by the Bangladesh High Commission can lead to an influx of illegal Bangladeshi workers into the country as they will be attracted to opportunities promised on the employment portal.
“This can indirectly lead to exploitation of workers, which can then mar Malaysia’s image,” he said in a statement today in response to local media reports about the launch of the portal on April 8.
The site is said to be aimed at helping Malaysian employers recruit Bangladeshi workers and assist undocumented Bangladeshi workers to participate in the government’s recalibration programme announced last year.
Saravanan said his ministry views the matter seriously as it can create confusion to the public, particularly local employers.
The recalibration programme – which commenced on November 16 last year and set to end on June 30 this year – is being executed by government entities and employers without the involvement of vendors or third parties, he added.
“The sectors involved are confined to agriculture, construction, manufacturing and plantation.”
Saravanan said under the Private Employment Agencies Act 1981 (Act 246), the recruitment of foreign workers in Malaysia will be managed by private employment agencies licensed by the Labour Department.
The Chakrir Khoj portal, he added, will jeopardise the business of more than 400 private employment agencies licensed to bring in foreign workers to the country.
These local companies have been out of business for more than a year, but are still paying the required licence fee.
Saravanan said the ministry has developed a national employment portal, MyFutureJobs, which advertises domestic vacancies involving the recruitment of expatriates and foreign workers. – Bernama, April 15, 2021
