PETALING JAYA (Feb 1): The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) on Thursday labelled the Foreign Workers Medical Examination Monitoring Agency’s (Fomema) move requiring all foreign workers to undergo annual medical examinations as “undemocratic”.
In a statement, MEF said that it had been made aware of Fomema’s requirement through its website and social media, without prior discussion and consultation with stakeholders on the matter.
“MEF has already voiced its concerns on the matter [of the increase in examination rates] through a media statement dated 17th January 2024. Despite MEF complaints and concerns regarding the above matter, Fomema sees it fit to proceed with the decision to implement the changes on the medical examinations of foreign workers to be on yearly basis and increase the fee rates with effect from 1st February 2024.
“The decision of Fomema to proceed with the implementation of changes without first discussing the matter with the stakeholder is undemocratic,” MEF president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said in the statement.
He added that even after MEF had requested for a dialogue to take place regarding the implementation of changes, Fomema proceeded with its changes without any consultation with stakeholders.
“MEF is concerned that Fomema failed to take into account the difficulties and hardships faced by employers as a result of the changes. Fomema refused and failed to take into account the views of MEF that represents the views of private sector employers.
“Fomema had never held any dialogue with the stakeholders to at least explain and take into account the employers’ view on related matters. The attitude and actions of Fomema failed to give due respect to the industries and businesses,” he said.
Dr Syed Hussain urged for consultation and dialogue between Fomema or the authorities and stakeholders to find ways to arrive at win-win solutions for all involved. In the meantime, the federation requested for the implementation of the yearly medical examinations on foreign workers and increase in rates of payment with effect from February 1, 2024 be suspended.
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