Police probe Malaysiakini, journalist questioned over migrant worker system report

 

Police are investigating Malaysiakini over an article concerning a proposed migrant worker recruitment system, with one of its journalists called in to give a statement.

In an official letter, Sepang district police headquarters stated that the investigation is being conducted under Section 203A of the Penal Code for unauthorised disclosure of information and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act for misuse of social networks.

Police questioned senior journalist B Nantha Kumar yesterday morning as a witness. His statement was recorded for one and a half hours.

The investigation was concerning a report by Nantha on March 27, regarding a purported government proposal for a new digital system to manage migrant workers, which industry sources claim will be called The Universal Recruitment Advance Platform (Turap).

Sources said the proposal is to improve the recruitment ecosystem, which is mired in high costs and poor worker welfare.

However, industry players are sceptical about whether the new system will bring genuine changes or merely add another layer to the existing systems.

The Association of Employment Agencies Malaysia (Papa), which represents over 700 private employment agencies, voiced concerns over the proposed end-to-end recruitment process if the licensed agencies are sidelined.

Sepang deputy district police chief Mior Nor Azuan Alias said the probe was initiated after a police report was lodged. - Mkini