(Sibu 13th) The Sibu United Shipyard Association issued a statement today pointing out that the Foreign Worker Transformation Method (FWTA) system of the Sarawak government is set to be implemented on January 15, 2025, raising concerns about the potential high operational costs it could impose on employers.
The association stated that FWTA is an online digital application for processing work permit applications for non-resident workers. It is more efficient in terms of turnaround time for processing work permit applications and is highly transparent. It allows law enforcement agencies
to immediately query data on non-resident workers for online checks.
The association noted that while the initiative signifies progress in digitization by centrally managing foreign workers, its high implementation cost would impose significant financial pressure on businesses.
The association claimed that every government department is moving towards digitization, which is a good direction. "We just need to reduce the fees so as not to burden businesses. We hope the government will reconsider and reduce the cost."
The association pointed out that the FWTA system introduces several new components with separate charges. Firstly, the JobSarawak portal will replace the MYFuturejobs portal currently used for recruiting foreign workers.
"When we want to employ or recruit foreign workers, we must first go through this initial stage involving recruitment advertisements. JobSarawak will replace MYFuturejobs, which is currently free to use."
The association stated that next is the Sarawak and Non-Sarawak Online Labour System (Sansol), a centralized platform designed to manage and issue government permits, visas, and licenses for Sarawak and non-Sarawak residents.
"This includes Approval in Principle (AP), Labor License, and Reference Visa (VDR), which are currently free. It is reported that after the system's implementation, AP will cost RM950 per person, the Labor License will cost RM335 per person, and the VDR will cost RM215 per person."
Regarding the Sarawak Foreign Health Information System (Safhis), the association also noted that it is a platform that centrally manages foreign worker medical data in compliance with the regulations of the Sarawak Health Department (JKNS). Currently, they arrange for workers to be examined at their panel clinics, paying only the medical examination fee.
"However, with the new system, they will assist us by making appointments with panel clinics registered under the system.
Each registration will incur a RM30 fee."
The association stated that this is not the medical exam itself, but the registration. It covers the cost of appointments with specialist panel doctors designated by the service agency. Currently, workers do not have IDs under this system. However, once the new system is implemented, each worker will receive an ID card at a potential cost of RM324 per person.
The association stated that the process of applying for this ID card is usually conducted through the Ministry of Labour or the Immigration Department following the instructions in the system.
The association emphasized that currently, we only pay the medical examination fee, license fee, and work permit tax, but now we must additionally pay RM1854 for each worker. From a company's perspective, if we have many workers, this will significantly increase the company’s expenses. The association hopes the government will understand the difficulties faced by businesses and reduce the fees.