Putrajaya: The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and the Immigration Department in Malaysia have initiated a collaborative effort aimed at improving data sharing on Temporary Employment Visit Pass (PLKS), Employment Pass, and other valid work passes for foreign workers. This collaboration is designed to support the implementation of mandatory EPF contributions for non-Malaysian workers.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the partnership has been facilitated through system integration between the EPF and the Immigration Department. The signing of the strategic collaboration note took place during the Home Ministry's monthly assembly in Putrajaya. The EPF emphasized that this collaboration will enhance enforcement capabilities by improving systems and data flows, which will lead to a more efficient verification process. This is particularly significant following the implementation of mandatory EPF contributions that began on October 1.

The EPF reported that approximately 1.3 million workers have contributed through about 60,000 employers, reflecting a positive response from compliant employers. However, there are still employers who have not met the mandatory contribution requirements, affecting the social protection of non-Malaysian workers. The EPF has issued reminders to employers who have not yet complied to do so to avoid penalties and legal action.

EPF Chief Operating Officer Sazaliza Zainuddin stated that the memorandum of understanding will strengthen the ability of the EPF and the Immigration Department to verify workers' status, improve transparency, and expedite the registration process for non-Malaysian workers. He noted that this collaboration is a significant step towards ensuring that national policies are implemented with greater discipline and integrity, ultimately benefiting employers, workers, and the entire employment ecosystem.