​The decision of the government to postpone the implementation of the multi-tier levy for foreign workers from 1 Jan 2021 to 1 July 2021 has given employers some relief during these difficult times.   

“The news of the postponement on the multi-tier levy for foreign workers is indeed positive for employers who are also currently required to upgrade the housing facilities of foreign workers. We welcome the postponement as many employers have been severely impacted by the Covid-19 situation,” said MEF President Dato’ Dr. Syed Hussain Syed Husman J.P.  

“The decision to postpone also indicates that our calls for support were heard by the authorities who have shown compassion by giving due consideration to the interest of private sector employers.”  

Dato’ Dr Syed Hussain was responding to the decisions reached at the inaugural Home and Human Resources’ Ministers’ Joint Committee Meeting that was held in Putrajaya on Thursday.  

The Joint Ministerial Committee Meeting, which was attended by the Home Minister YB Dato’ Seri Hamzah Zainudin and Minister of Human Resources YB Datuk Seri M. Saravanan,  also decided to allow employers to bring in new foreign workers provided the employers finance the cost of repatriation of illegal foreign workers detained at detention depots.  

“Besides the postponement of the multi-tier levy, the decision to give permission to employers to employ foreign workers based on the 1:1 quota would assist employers who are unable to recruit local workers for certain jobs,” said the MEF President, Dato’ Dr. Syed Hussain. 

“The programme would also help resolve issues of overcrowding at some of the detention depots.”  

He said MEF fully supports the government policy to prioritise employment of local workers as this would reduce the rate of unemployment, and reduce dependence on foreign workers.  

For further information, contact the MEF Secretariat at 03-7955-7778 or fax 03-7955-9008 or email mef-hq@mef.org.my.  

4 DECEMBER 2020