Home Minister warns employers after factory raid finds foreign workers with fake

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 17 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution warned employers to ensure foreign workers have valid documents after a joint operation at an electronics factory on January 14 uncovered bogus papers.

The minister confirmed earlier media reports that some detained foreign workers paid RM300 for fake documents.

"Advice to employers: ensure foreign workers have valid documents," Saifuddin said at an event in Kulim today.

He stated enforcement action was taken under the Registration Regulations 1990, Immigration Act, and Employment Act for possession of false identification documents and use of another person's IC.

The joint operation involved police, the Labour Department, and the National Registration Department (JPN).

"The focus of the investigation is to use all existing legal provisions and the entire ecosystem—agents, employers, recruitment processes, and sources of fake documents," the minister said.

He emphasised document forgery is a serious issue, especially with the government implementing targeted subsidies.

"Our system will not allow such abuse," Saifuddin added.

While Malaysia still needs foreign workers, the minister said their entry must comply with laws and regulations.

"The government's duty is to safeguard their welfare and take action against employers or agents who exploit them," he said.

Saifuddin noted the matter will be discussed in a scheduled foreign worker management meeting with the Ministry of Human Resources at the end of January.