Discuss first before implementing policies, MBAM told government

PETALING JAYA: The government should discuss policies affecting the construction industry with its stakeholders before implementation.
Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) president Foo Chek Lee said engagement between the government and stakeholders was necessary to avoid problems such as uncertainties and financial losses to industry players.
Commenting on the issue of Employer Mandatory Commitment (EMC), he said the MBAM welcomed the government's decision to postpone the employers' mandatory levy payment of foreign workers to 2018, adding that it was "a relief to the industry".
"The postponement will allow for employers to plan and adjust for the transition," he said in a statement.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had, on Dec 31, announced that employers would have to pay the levy of foreign workers, beginning Jan 1, under the EMC.
Previously, foreign workers are contracted with the condition they pay their own levy for their rights to work here, with employers deducting their wages on a monthly basis.
Foo suggested several measures for the government to consider in controlling and weeding out the issue of illegal foreign construction workers in Malaysia.
"The process of hiring foreign workers should also be more transparent and simplified, with workers mobilised to project site within a month," he said.
Foo added the procedure of legalising existing illegal workers must be made transparent, simpler and cheaper.
"The process should be undertaken by the Immigration Department and not third party companies which may be open to abuse," he said.