Fomca hits out at immigration dept over online service dispute

PETALING JAYA: The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) has hit out against the immigration department's move to continue registering foreign workers using the new online system for Foreign Workers Permit Renewal (PLKS) through My E. G. Services Bhd (MyEG).
Its deputy president Mohd Yusof Abdul Rahman said the process should be flexible in terms of providing the consumers a choice in registering at the counters at various points until the they are comfortable using the online application.
"This system should be done gradually to allow consumers the choice by registering manually or through the new alternative platform provided. This is because some of them are not Internet savvy and may find it difficult during the adjustment period," he told theSun.
He also agreed to a statement issued by the Home Ministry which stated that by using the renewal process online it would mean agents will cease to exist in taking advantage of the situation.
However, Mohd Yusof stressed it would still give an opportunity for a third party in seizing their chance to "facilitate" those who are still unaware of the new system which was launched on Jan 5 besides helping those who are not IT savvy or know the system well.
"More reason why it should be implemented gradually rather than force consumers to use it now," he said.
He added that there are also areas which does not have Internet connection which will pose a problem to consumers.
The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) had also voiced their concerns recently and told theSun that it will submit a letter to the Immigration Department to seek an explanation as to the rationalisation of its implementation of the system.