Worker recruitment agencies have told the government not to vilify them as they are registered and comply with the Private Employment Agencies Act 1981 (Act 246).

National Association of Human Resources (Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Sumber Manusia Malaysia - Pusma) president Zarina Ismail said the poor enforcement of Act 246 resulted in a mushrooming of agencies not registered with the Human Resources Ministry.

These illegal agencies are the ones giving legitimate agencies a bad reputation, she said.

“Act 246 clearly states that the recruitment of local or migrant workers can only be carried out by companies registered with the ministry, but unfortunately, this is a little-known fact even among lawmakers.

“I urge Human Resources Minister V Sivakumar to publicise the importance of this law for all employers to engage only with registered employment agencies...