KUCHING: Concerns raised by employers over the implementation of the Foreign Worker Transformation Approach (FWTA) will be brought to the State Legislative Assembly (DUN), says Kota Sentosa assemblyman, Wilfred Yap Sau Sin.
Responding to criticism from Michael Kong Feng Nian, the special assistant to Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak’s Chairman, Chong Chieng Jen, Yap said supporting the FWTA’s objectives does not mean remaining silent on issues affecting businesses.
“Supporting the policy objectives of the FWTA while calling for improvements to its implementation are not mutually exclusive positions,” Yap said in a statement.
He said the FWTA is an important initiative under Sarawak’s immigration autonomy as provided for under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), but acknowledged concerns from employers and industry groups over additional costs and compliance requirements.
As a government backbencher, he said his responsibility is to listen to stakeholders, scrutinise policies, and advocate improvements through proper legislative channels.
“A responsible backbencher does not blindly defend every aspect of implementation, nor does he seek to undermine government policy for political mileage,” he said.
Yap dismissed claims that he was supporting a monopoly, saying the real issue was how to improve the system while protecting Sarawak’s rights and ensuring businesses remain competitive.
He noted that key sectors such as construction, manufacturing, services, agriculture and plantations depend heavily on foreign labour, making it important to balance immigration autonomy with economic sustainability.
Yap said implementation issues should be addressed through constructive engagement, including reviewing costs, reducing administrative burdens, and improving efficiency.
He added that concerns raised by employers over the FWTA would be formally raised during the upcoming DUN sitting.
