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

On September 25, Malaysia and Nepal reached an agreement to enhance their labour recruitment process, aiming for a more orderly, transparent, and integrity-driven approach that combats practices leading to worker exploitation. Malaysian Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan shared this commitment during a phone conversation with his Nepali counterpart, Ramjee Yadav, who holds the positions of Minister of Youth, Labour, and Employment. The discussion also encompassed bilateral ties in labour and employment.

Ramanan emphasized in a subsequent Facebook post that both nations acknowledged the necessity for a more orderly and transparent recruitment mechanism, aimed at addressing issues such as excessive costs and worker exploitation by unscrupulous intermediaries. He reiterated Malaysia's commitment to managing foreign workers based on principles of integrity, transparency, accountability, and worker protection, all while considering the real requirements of industries and labor markets.

The system must safeguard workers, support employers, and prevent any room for exploitation and abuse, according to Ramanan.

The two countries, maintaining diplomatic ties since 1960, pledged to maintain communication through suitable bilateral channels to bolster cooperation in labour and employment matters. Additionally, Ramanan conveyed his condolences and sympathies to the Nepali government and its people in light of the catastrophic floods that struck the region on August 26.

He informed that the Malaysian government remains fully attentive to the situation of the 55 Malaysians who remain uncontactable since the disaster. According to international media reports, the death toll from the floods has climbed to over 1,450, with more than 6,000 individuals still missing in both Nepal and Malaysia.