Minister vows to blacklist those involved in ‘A to B’ syndicate

 

Human Resources Minister Steven Sim has pledged that his ministry will permanently blacklist employers or agents involved in abusing migrant worker quotas.

He made the remarks in response to a report by Malaysiakini earlier today, which exposed the “A to B” syndicate, where “employers” allegedly generate millions of ringgit by obtaining quotas for thousands of migrant workers without actually needing them.

“If you have information, share it with us. If proven, we will permanently blacklist these employers,” he told Malaysiakini after attending the 12th joint committee meeting between the Home Ministry and Human Resources Ministry on migrant worker management in Kuala Lumpur today.

Sim also urged anyone with knowledge of the syndicate to lodge reports with the police, the MACC, and the Labour Department.

“If there’s a violation under the Human Resources Ministry, we will act. If it falls under the Home Ministry, the police will take action,” he said.

Earlier, during a joint press conference with Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Sim warned of stern action against those involved in the syndicate.

“I also saw the Malaysiakini report today about the ‘A to B’ syndicate. I thank the portal for not only exposing the syndicate but also recognising that since the unity government took office, such syndicates have decreased.

“This is the result of collaboration between all ministries, particularly our colleagues in the Human Resources Ministry and the Home Ministry.

“I want to highlight that the report also indicates the involvement of not only government officials and agents but also employers. We want to warn everyone to resolve this issue.

“For example, in cases of abuse of power in managing migrant workers, it requires a whole-of-society approach. While the government can ensure clean officers and efficient processes, issues such as fake applications can be a problem.

“We are taking a firm stand. Employers cannot use agents to apply on their behalf. Applications must be made directly with us.

“If we find violations, we will not only take legal action against the agents but also against the employers who use these workers,” he stressed.

The Malaysiakini exclusive report this morning exposed a syndicate allegedly profiting millions by monopolising the supply of migrant workers.

The “A to B” syndicate exploits the government’s recruitment system by obtaining excessive migrant worker quotas and then selling or leasing them to others.

Malaysiakini understands that the syndicate has thrived since 1996 and was difficult to curtail, partly due to collusion with certain enforcement officers.

Checks revealed that each of the “employers” can earn hundreds of thousands of ringgit from selling migrant worker quotas and renewing the workers’ Temporary Employment Visit Passes (PLKS) every year. - Mkini