KUALA LUMPUR - Employers with records of labour offences, failure to follow court orders or convictions linked to forced labour will be barred from hiring foreign workers, the Dewan Rakyat heard.

Human Resources Minister, Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the government views worker exploitation seriously, especially involving migrant workers in cases such as passport retention and unpaid wages.

He said the ministry has taken proactive steps to strengthen protection for foreign workers and prevent abuse.

“In this regard, the government imposes strict approval conditions for the employment of foreign workers under Section 60K of the Employment Act 1955 (Act 265), including prosecuting employers who violate the provisions of the Act.

“In addition, the government has strengthened enforcement through targeted inspections and monitoring by the Labour Department, as well as firm action against offenders," he said in a written reply published on Parliament's website.

Ramanan was responding to a question from William Leong (PH-Selayang) on measures taken to curb abuse of migrant workers and the effectiveness of those actions.

He said foreign workers can file complaints directly with the Labour Department through the e-Aduan application under ePPAx without going through middlemen.

“From the aspect of social protection, foreign workers are required to be covered under the Employees' Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4), specifically under the Employment Injury Scheme and the Invalidity Scheme for Foreign Workers, which provide comprehensive protection against workplace accidents, disability and death.

“The ministry is also implementing the National Action Plan on Forced Labour (2021–2025) as a commitment to eradicating forced labour practices through prevention, protection and prosecution," he added.

He added that the government will ensure industries’ need for foreign workers is managed carefully to support business continuity.

“However, this will be guided by the principle of prioritising local workers, compliance with labour laws and the concept of supply and demand, in accordance with quotas set by the government,” he said.