Kuala lumpur: The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM) has expressed its support for the government's efforts to enhance the foreign worker recruitment system through greater digitalisation and the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). FMM president Jacob Lee Chor Kok stated that the transition towards digital and AI-enabled platforms was timely, as the industry required workforce solutions that were faster, more reliable, and demand-driven.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Lee noted that such technology had the potential to reduce administrative burdens, improve job matching, and address inefficiencies in the recruitment process. He emphasized that technology is an enabler and, with the right data and integration, AI could help deliver a system that is efficient, transparent, and responsive to industry needs.
Lee highlighted that any system enhancements should build on established foundations to create a more integrated end-to-end ecosystem for employers. He called for a functionally integrated approach where the Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA) led front-end workforce management, including demand validation and job matching.
Additionally, Lee mentioned that existing platforms like the Foreign Workers Centralised Management System (FWCMS) could continue to play an important role in the back-end regulatory process, particularly in areas related to security clearance, immigration control, and visa processing under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
In his statement, Lee stressed that these improvements should uphold principles of transparency and integrity. He welcomed efforts to minimize intermediary involvement on both sides, thereby reducing the risk of forced labor incidences while enhancing transparency and integrity across the entire recruitment process.
Lee also pointed out that an efficient recruitment system should be aligned with the proposed multi-tier levy mechanism to support industry needs while encouraging long-term investments in automation and workforce transformation.