KUCHING: The Sarawak Foreign Workers Transformation Approach (FWTA) should safeguard Sarawak’s immigration autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) while remaining affordable and practical for businesses, says Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap.
He said Sarawak must retain control over workforce planning and labour requirements, particularly in key sectors such as construction, timber, plantations, manufacturing and services.
“Any discussion on FWTA should recognise the importance of preserving Sarawak’s authority over matters that directly impact our economic development,” he said in a statement today (June 23).
He said concerns raised by industry players over compliance costs should be carefully considered.
He noted that while businesses generally welcomed improvements in processing efficiency under FWTA, stakeholders had raised concerns over higher processing charges, annual renewal fees and additional costs linked to medical screening requirements.
“These concerns deserve careful consideration because businesses are not opposing Sarawak’s autonomy.
“Rather, they are seeking a system that remains efficient, transparent and affordable,” he said.
Yap suggested reviewing renewal fees, reassessing charges that may result in duplicated costs, and considering targeted assistance for SMEs and local contractors.
He welcomed the Sarawak government’s decision to engage stakeholders and review the issues raised, saying the goal should be to protect Sarawak’s rights under MA63 while ensuring businesses remain competitive.
“The objective should not be to choose between immigration autonomy and business sustainability. We can and must achieve both,” he added.
