KOTA KINABALU: A singular standardised work pass for all foreign workers in Sabah should be created to ease the burden of both the relevant authorities and the business community.
Vice President, Parti Warisan Sabah Junz Wong said Warisan stands by the rule of law, that only those with the relevant legal documents be allowed to work in the state.
However, members of the business community say their workers are being hauled up by different authorities because of the absence of a standardised permit recognised by all authorities.
“In Sabah, there are a number of so called special passes such as the IMM13, Permits issued by the Chief Minister’s Department, documents for Bajau Laut people,” he said recently.
“So we have a situation where one authority or agency recognises a certain document, while another does not and this problem has always been there.”
This singular work pass system will seek to regulate foreign workers in the state regardless of which industry they belong to, whether they are in the service, construction, plantation or other industries, he said.
“It will also make it easier for the business communities as well as the relevant authorities if they only need to recognise a singular working pass.”
This is a win-win situation for authorities and the business community, as it will cure the unnecessary headache currently being faced by business operators.
A Warisan-led State will review the flawed system that is in place and develop mechanisms to create a business friendly environment while ensuring the interests of the state and its people are protected, he said adding that they will engage with various stakeholders from the business community, labour groups, employers groups and enforcement agencies to create a singular work pass.-PR/BNN
