PETRA JAYA: Sarawak is taking a significant step towards modernizing its labour and immigration management ecosystem with the introduction of the Foreign Workers Transformation Approach (FWTA), said Datuk Gerawat Gala, Deputy Minister in the Department of Premier of Sarawak (Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring), during a briefing held at PCC Demak, today.
The event, organized by the Immigration and Labour Management Unit (ILMU), brought together key stakeholders, including industry representatives, government officials, and heads of departments, to discuss the implementation of FWTA as part of Sarawak’s broader digitalization strategy.
In his speech, Gerawat emphasized the importance of FWTA which is a crucial component of Sarawak’s efforts to achieve its Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 goals.
“Sarawak is on the path to becoming a developed state by 2030. To support this growth, a robust and efficient labour and immigration ecosystem is essential. The FWTA plays a pivotal role in streamlining processes, enhancing transparency, and ensuring compliance with international labour standards,” he stated.
The key highlights of FWTA implementation included digital transformation where it introduces a digital platform for the end-to-end management of foreign worker applications, from recruitment to enforcement. This approach aligns with the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, ensuring real-time and efficient service delivery.
Gerawat said with amendments to the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (SLO) and adherence to International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards, employers must provide proper housing, medical facilities, and other essential amenities for workers.
According to him, FWTA consolidates the approval process for foreign workers, incorporating key services such as the issuance of work permits, foreign worker ID cards, and compliance checks.
To date, 287 companies have registered and submitted applications since the system’s launch on 15 January 2025.
Addressing industry concerns, Gerawat clarified that the RM1,854 cost per foreign worker covers the comprehensive infrastructure and services offered under the FWTA, not just processing fees.
He said Ama new Foreign Worker ID (FWID) card system will be implemented to ensure legal employment with joint enforcement operations by various agencies, including the Immigration Department, Labour Department, and police, will be carried out statewide.
Expressing his gratitude, Gerawat acknowledged the positive feedback received from industry stakeholders during engagement sessions in Northern and Central Sarawak.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuous improvement, stating, “Constructive feedback from the industries is crucial. We are committed to refining the ecosystem to ensure efficiency and reduce costs in the long run.”
The briefing concluded with a call for employers to fully utilize the FWTA system and to ensure compliance with Sarawak’s labour and immigration regulations. This initiative represents a critical step towards achieving a balanced, transparent, and effective labour management system, integral to Sarawak’s aspiration to become a developed state by 2030.
By Connie Chieng