KUALA LUMPUR — Human Resources Ministry (Kesuma) will continue strengthening governance in the management of foreign workers, particularly in ensuring that recruitment from Bangladesh is conducted in a transparent, fair and ethical manner.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the move aligns with the shared commitment between Malaysia and Bangladesh to prevent exploitation, discrimination and unethical recruitment practices.
He noted that Bangladesh remains one of Malaysia’s key source countries for foreign labour, playing an important role in supporting the nation’s economic growth.
“Therefore, aspects of governance, worker welfare and ethical recruitment mechanisms need to be further strengthened for the benefit of both countries,” he said in a statement shared on his Facebook page today.
Ramanan said closer cooperation in human resource management with Bangladesh would not only safeguard the welfare, safety and rights of workers, but also support Malaysia’s long-term and sustainable labour requirements.
“KESUMA will continue to play an active role in strengthening the governance of foreign workers and expanding strategic cooperation with partner countries including Bangladesh for mutual benefit,” he said.
Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Bangladeshi counterpart Tarique Rahman agreed during a bilateral meeting to establish a Joint Working Group (JWG) to ensure the continued safe movement of workers between both countries, while safeguarding mutual benefits.
The JWG will review the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and lay the groundwork for a new, updated agreement that reflects current needs.
Tarique is on a two-day official visit to Malaysia at the invitation of Anwar, marking his first official bilateral overseas visit since assuming office in February. — June 22, 2026