In a statement, the ministry said that differing versions and interpretations have caused confusion among the public and stakeholders.
“Any reports or statements suggesting that a final decision has been made are inaccurate, misleading and do not reflect the government’s actual position,” it said.
The ministry said it is exploring the development of an AI-powered digital platform to holistically improve the foreign worker recruitment ecosystem.
The ministry also said it is still refining proposals through early engagement sessions with source countries, industry players and technology providers, including the operator of the Foreign Workers Centralised Management System (FWCMS), which has been used since 2015.
“All proposals are still under evaluation, and no decisions, commitments, appointments or agreements have been made with any party to date,” it added.
The ministry said the initiative to modernise the foreign worker hiring system has received positive feedback from key source countries such as Bangladesh, Indonesia and India, particularly in enhancing transparency, operational efficiency and continuity.
It said major industry associations such as the Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia, the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia, the Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and the Malaysian Employers Federation have supported efforts to digitalise foreign worker recruitment.
Yesterday, the 10 PKR MPs said the proposed Turap is unnecessary, given existing and upcoming government platforms such as the planned National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe), which is expected to be operational by 2028.
They were responding to a report stating that the ministry had proposed to implement Turap, developed by Bestinet Sdn Bhd, a company founded by labour tycoon Aminul Islam.
DAP’s Charles Santiago had previously also questioned the government’s appointment of Bestinet to develop a new foreign worker recruitment system, given the irregularities flagged in an existing system also developed by the firm.
Regulating the new system
The ministry said that it will be fully responsible for the implementation of the new initiative, if approved, in both policy and operations.
“The system would also be integrated with existing government systems, including the FWCMS and the NIISe.
“The role of private employment agencies in Malaysia will remain intact, as the platform can be used either directly by employers or through these agencies,” it added.
It also said the proposal focuses solely on post-quota approval recruitment processes in source countries and will not affect pre-recruitment procedures such as regulatory approvals, quota allocations or enforcement activities governed by existing laws.