DAP rep questions transparency of Sarawak foreign worker scheme involving nearly RM200m in fees

“KUCHING, May 14 — The state government has been called on to disclose the structure behind the Sarawak Foreign Workers’ Transformation Approach (FWTA), which has been implemented since Jan 15, 2025. When participating in the motion of appreciation on the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak’s address during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Wednesday, Violet Yong (DAP-Pending) claimed there is no clear explanation on how FWTA is embedded within the state government system. “We understand its stated role is to manage foreign worker recruitment and that it is carried out through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Since its implementation, employers are required to pay RM1,854 per foreign worker, amounting to RM2,002.32 after SST. “Industries such as construction, manufacturing, plantations, oil and gas, timber, and services have voiced strong dissatisfaction over this additional burden although the state government appears reluctant to acknowledge it,” she claimed. According to her, more than a year on, the FWTA programme “remains far from transparent”. Yong claimed that beyond the claim of a PPP structure, the public and industry still do not know which private entity is involved. “Out of the RM1,854 collected, may we know how much goes to the state government and how much goes to the private party? Why is this basic financial breakdown not disclosed? Is there anything to hide? “What is even more concerning is that payments are not paid to Kerajaan Negeri Sarawak, but routed through BILLPLZ Sdn Bhd. Employers were neither properly informed nor given justification for this arrangement. “Based on official figures, from January to December 2025, 106,242 approvals were issued. This translates to nearly RM200 million collected in a single year and this figure will continue to grow,” she claimed. She pointed out that under the previous system, approvals, licences, and visa-related processes were free of charge. According to her, Sarawak is the only state in Malaysia and region imposing such fees, including RM324 per foreign worker ID. “We have effectively become the first to do so: Sarawak Boleh, where even routine processes are turned into chargeable items. System upgrading is understandable, but it must not become a justification for imposing excessive financial burden. “The key question remains ie which company ultimately receives these payments and what is the final share or return to the Sarawak Government under this PPP model? What is the proportion? Is it 20–80, 30–70, or 40–60 shares between the state and private company? Not a single one from the Sarawak Government administration dares to clearly explain this,” she claimed. She cited a Kuching-based entity involved in collection and credit-related activities, which coincidentally shares the same acronym as the programme. “This company appears highly secretive, with its financial details shielded from public scrutiny. “Is this coincidence or is there a direct link to the PPP arrangement? This company reportedly has only one director and shareholder. Yet it is connected by name to a programme collecting hundreds of millions annually. The state government cannot expect the public not to ask questions,” she said. Yong stressed that when over RM200 million annually is involved, “transparency is not optional but it is in fact an obligation”. “This lack of clarity only deepens public suspicion. We do not want yet another kantow scheme created to benefit those sitting in the corridors of power while ordinary Sarawakians are left paying the price,” she added. — The Borneo Post

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