This will include reducing the role of intermediaries, lowering costs, and utilising authorised and qualified recruitment agencies.

Human resources minister R Ramanan said this was among the key outcomes of a meeting between Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the Bangladesh delegation led by expatriates’ welfare and overseas employment minister Ariful Haque Choudhury in Putrajaya today.

On March 1, 2023, the quota application and approval for foreign workers, including through the Foreign Worker Employment Relaxation Plan, were suspended for all sectors.

Ramanan also said Malaysia presented plans for a technology and artificial intelligence (AI)-based recruitment system aimed at ensuring employers bear recruitment costs, in line with the International Labour Organization’s Employer Pays principle.

He added that Bangladesh had expressed full support for the initiative and readiness to cooperate in its implementation.

Ramanan said discussions also covered legal issues and concerns over human trafficking in worker recruitment.

“Both sides stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law, ensuring transparent justice processes, and safeguarding their respective international reputations.

“In addition, cooperation in skills development, training, certification and information sharing was also emphasised to ensure better matching between industry needs and the workforce, thereby enhancing productivity,” he said in a Facebook post.

Ramanan said engagement sessions would be held regularly to ensure the smooth implementation of all agreed initiatives.

“This cooperation reflects a shared commitment to building a fairer, more sustainable and globally competitive labour migration system,” he said.