Malaysia-only job agencies could be in trouble due to suspension of KSM approvals by Malaysian government in March

As the government of Malaysia has suspended the approvals of the Human Resources Ministry (KSM Approvals) for factories and enterprises to recruit foreign workers since March, employment agencies sending workers only to Malaysia may stop operating, said an overseas employment agent.
Despite the difficulties for Malaysia-only agents, those working for Malaysia and Thailand or Malaysia and Japan still have an outlet for another destination, he said.
“Agencies sending workers to Malaysia are in trouble. They can’t do anything. For example, Malaysian agencies working with Myanmar partners must complete their remaining approvals within this month, or the Malaysian government won’t accept them after that. And for already-permitted approvals, workers must come by 31 May at the latest. Otherwise, they won’t be allowed in. That means the Malaysian channel is closed. So, all the agencies that send workers only to Malaysia will have to stop working. Some who work for two countries like Malaysia and Thailand or Malaysia and Japan will still have some relief,” he added.
During the 18 months of the term of already-permitted KSM Approvals, Malaysian factories and enterprises wishing to recruit foreign workers have been bringing them into the country after applying for calling visas from the Immigration Department.
Malaysian employers have been informed that they would have to bring in all foreign workers, including Myanmar, who have been granted calling visas by the Immigration Department by 31 May, and the deadline for the application of calling visas has been set as on or before 31 March.
“It will become difficult for Myanmar workers to go to Malaysia. 31 March is the last date to apply for KDM. (KDM is the approval for Malaysian agencies to invite foreign workers, including the number of people.) After 31 March, the remaining KDMs will not be accepted. Those who have already-permitted approvals must submit to the Immigration Department before 31 March and all invited workers must enter Malaysia by 31 May. After that date, nothing will be accepted and everything will stop,” an overseas employment agent commented. — MT/ZN/ED