Daily HR News 6.3.2025
1. Mandatory EPF contributions for foreign workers start Q4 2025
Malaysia's Dewan Rakyat has passed the Employees Provident Fund (Amendment) Bill 2025, requiring foreign workers and their employers to each contribute 2% of monthly wages to the EPF, effective Q4 2025. Foreign workers can withdraw their contributions upon returning to their home countries after their work permits expire.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/03/06/mandatory-epf-contributions-for-foreign-workers-start-q4-2025
2. Dewan Rakyat Passes EPF (Amendment) Bill 2025
On March 6, 2025, Malaysia's Dewan Rakyat passed the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) (Amendment) Bill 2025, mandating EPF contributions for both Malaysian and non-citizen workers. This move aims to enhance social protection and align with international best practices. Non-citizen workers can withdraw their contributions upon returning to their home countries after their work permits expire.
Source: https://www.bernama.com/en/news.php?id=2399771
3. Nurses worked more than 45 hours a week even before proposed new work hours, says Deputy Health Minister
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni stated that nurses have been working over 45 hours weekly even before the proposed 45-hour workweek, due to unaccounted break times and task handovers. The new schedule aims to integrate these into official hours, ensuring adequate rest and systematic handovers without increasing workload.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/03/06/nurses-worked-more-than-45-hours-a-week-even-before-proposed-new-work-hours-says-deputy-health-minister
4. Illegal foreign worker agency busted, six foreigners arrested
An illegal foreign worker agency was dismantled on March 5, 2025, following operations in Shah Alam, Ampang, and Kuala Lumpur. Six foreign nationals—five Bangladeshi men, including the agency's leader, and a Pakistani man—aged between 30 and 50, were arrested. Authorities seized 412 passports from various countries, RM12,550 in cash, and a car. The agency charged employers RM8,000 per worker and RM4,000 to RM6,000 for extending permits.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/03/06/illegal-foreign-worker-agency-busted-six-foreigners-arrested
5. Illegal Foreign Worker Agency Busted, Six Nabbed - Immigration Dept
On March 5, 2025, Malaysia's Immigration Department dismantled an illegal foreign worker agency operating in Shah Alam, Ampang, and Kuala Lumpur. Six foreign nationals—five Bangladeshis and one Pakistani, aged between 30 and 50—were arrested. Authorities seized 394 Bangladeshi passports, six Indonesian passports, two Indian passports, nine Pakistani passports, RM12,550 in cash, and a car. The agency charged employers RM8,000 per worker and RM4,000 to RM6,000 for extending permits.
Source: https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2399703
6. New opportunities for retired firefighters through certification in workplace safety
Malaysia's Housing and Local Government Ministry, in collaboration with the Human Resources Ministry, is offering free occupational safety and health certification courses to approximately 1,000 retired or soon-to-retire firefighters. This initiative enables them to leverage their expertise in the corporate sector, enhancing workplace safety and providing new career opportunities.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/03/06/new-opportunities-for-retired-firefighters-through-certification-in-workplace-safety
7. Amendments to Whistleblower Protection Act tabled for first reading
On March 6, 2025, Malaysia's Dewan Rakyat tabled the Whistleblower Protection (Amendment) Bill 2025 for its first reading. The Bill proposes establishing a Whistleblower Protection Committee to oversee enforcement agencies' implementation of whistleblower laws and to collect related statistics. The Committee will consist of a chairman and up to seven members, each serving a three-year term.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/03/06/amendments-to-whistleblower-protection-act-tabled-for-first-reading
8. Changes To Whistleblower Protection Act Tabled For First Reading In Dewan Rakyat
On March 6, 2025, Malaysia's Dewan Rakyat tabled the Whistleblower Protection (Amendment) Bill 2025 for its first reading. The Bill proposes establishing a Whistleblower Protection Committee to oversee the implementation of the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 (Act 711) by enforcement agencies. The Committee will also gather statistics and data related to disclosures and complaints received under the Act.
Source: https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2399655
9. Govt to issue special passes for investors, expats from April, says Home Minister
Starting April 1, 2025, Malaysia will issue special electronic passes to investors and expatriates, allowing extended stays for business and investment purposes. This initiative aims to streamline entry processes and enhance the country's business environment.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/03/06/govt-to-issue-special-passes-for-investors-expats-from-april-says-home-minister