HR minister: Malaysia, Nepal agree on new mechanism to curb migrant worker exploitation

KUALA LUMPUR, September 25 — Malaysia and Nepal have reached an agreement to enhance their labor recruitment process, aiming for greater order, transparency, and integrity. This commitment was discussed during a phone conversation between the Malaysian Human Resources Minister, Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, and his Nepali counterpart, Ramjee Yadav, who heads the Ministry of Youth, Labour, and Employment.

The Facebook post by Ramanan detailed the sides' agreement on a more orderly and transparent recruitment system, aiming to address issues that burden workers with high costs or expose them to exploitation and unscrupulous intermediaries. Ramanan emphasized Malaysia's commitment to maintaining foreign workers based on principles of integrity, transparency, accountability, and worker protection, all while meeting the real needs of the industries and labor market.

He stressed that the system must safeguard workers, facilitate employers, and prevent any space for exploitation and abuse. The two nations, maintaining diplomatic ties since 1960, have also agreed to continue discussions through suitable bilateral channels to bolster cooperation in labor and employment. Ramanan also offered condolences to the Nepali government and people following the devastating floods that occurred last month, causing numerous deaths and displacements.

He assured that the Malaysian government, under the MADANI leadership, would continue to closely monitor the situation of the 55 Malaysians who remain unaccounted for due to the disaster. International reports indicate that the death toll from the August 26 tragedy at the Nepal-China border has surged to over 1,450, with more than 6,000 people still missing in both countries.