The Malaysian government has approved an increase in foreign worker permit fees from RM100 to RM215 per person and extended Bestinet Sdn Bhd’s service contract until January 2031. The decision has drawn widespread attention and criticism from the public and lawmakers.
According to Deputy Secretary of Immigration Affairs Heba Hashim, Bestinet filed a RM1.63 billion claim against the government, citing the inability to charge permit fees from 2018 to May 2024. The claim included unpaid fees and 4% interest on loans. After consulting with the Attorney General’s Office, the government acknowledged the claim’s legal basis and opted to settle the matter by allowing a fee increase to RM215 per permit to avoid litigation.
Under the renewed six-year contract, Bestinet’s Foreign Worker Centralized Management System (FWCMS) will cover 15 modules, including foreign worker recruitment advertisements, permit processing, and exit memorandums (COM). Additionally, MYEG Services’ contract for handling parts of the work permit system will not be renewed after February 2025, leaving Bestinet with a monopoly on these services.
Kajang MP Syahredzan Johan voiced concerns over the government’s handling of MYEG’s contract termination, urging caution to avoid similar legal disputes with Bestinet. He also questioned why the contract was renewed despite ongoing inquiries by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and issues flagged by the National Audit Department.
Singapore