Career & Professional Development, Government, SME

ACCCIM Renews Call for Single Approval System for Foreign Worker Recruitment under HR Ministry, Proposes RM10,000 Threshold for Employment Contract Stamping

The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), led by its President Datuk Ng Yih Pyng and senior officials, held a constructive engagement session with YB Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of Human Resources to discuss key labour-related issues affecting the business community. Front row from left: Dato’ Jeffery Tan, Tan Sri Teo Chiang Kok, Datuk Ng Yih Pyng, YB Steven Sim Chee Keong, Datuk Looi Hei Tyng, Datuk Yap Heng Or, Mr Boo Chin Liong. Back row from left: Datuk Koong Lin Loong, Datuk Wira Lim Chiun Cheong, Mr Gan Boon Kim, Mr Ken Yap Kean Lye, Mr Ter Leong Leng, Mr Lee Heng Guie.

The discussion covered a range of issues, including:

  • Management and recruitment of foreign workers
  • Stamping of employment contracts under the Stamp Act 1949
  • Multi-tier levy mechanism
  • Progressive Wage Policy
  • Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH)

The ACCCIM noted the Government’s commitment to streamline the recruitment and management of foreign workers, reaffirming a long-standing position that a Single Approval System, or One-Stop Center (OSC), for foreign worker recruitment should be placed under the purview of the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) as it is the most suitable ministry given the core mandate responsibility in managing human resources and labour-related matters.

We believe that consolidating the end-to-end process under one responsible agency would significantly improve efficiency, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and expedite processing time.

The ACCCIM has also requested for a comprehensive review of the mandatory stamping requirement, including:

  • A proposal to revise the outdated exemption threshold—currently below RM300 monthly wages—to a realistic threshold of RM10,000;
  • Grant “grand amnesty” on non-compliance for the audit period back to 1 January 2022, including applying a grandfathering rule so that the rule is not being retroactively applied, to provide certainty.

Both the Minister and ACCCIM emphasised the need for continued engagement and better understanding of KESUMA’s policies and programmes to balance the interest of businesses and welfare of employees. KESUMA has expressed readiness to collaborate with ACCCIM in increasing awareness of key human resources initiatives among the chamber members.

These include various skills development and upskilling programmes. Moving forward, ACCCIM is committed to fully supporting the Government and KESUMA in implementing human resources policies and initiatives, while providing constructive feedback to help build a future-proof workforce.

FacebookXRedditPinterestEmail