Malaysia is preparing to launch a new digital hiring platform that will allow employers to recruit foreign workers directly, eliminating the need for private recruitment agents and reducing hiring costs and worker exploitation.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan said the initiative aims to curb excessive recruitment fees and ensure foreign workers clearly understand job terms before arriving in Malaysia.
Currently, many workers rely on agents and often incur heavy debts due to high placement fees.
Under the proposed system, employers and job seekers will connect directly through an online platform featuring virtual interviews and AI-powered translation to overcome language barriers.
Authorities hope this will reduce cases where workers arrive to find job conditions different from what they were promised.
Officials say recruitment fees in some cases range between US$5,000 and US$8,000, far exceeding international labour guidelines that recommend fees not exceed one month’s wages.
Workers from several countries reportedly pay substantial amounts to secure jobs in Malaysia.
The government is also discussing a government-to-government recruitment model with labour-source countries to ensure transparency and legal compliance.
Worker records and identity verification would be managed through Malaysia’s MyDigital ID system.
The proposal will undergo further consultations before being submitted to the Cabinet for approval.
If implemented later this year, the platform could significantly reshape Malaysia’s foreign worker recruitment system by making hiring cheaper, safer, and more transparent.