Employers want new ruling put off

Checking for anything: A foreign worker leaving after doing a Fomema medical checkup at a clinic in Jalan Pudu, Kuala Lumpur. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: The recently implemented mandatory annual medical screening for foreign workers poses a huge financial burden, say employers, who now want the decision postponed.

They said they had not been consulted over the new ruling and price hike for the screening fees which would cost employers an additional RM414mil extra per year.

Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma) president Datuk Jawahar Ali Taib Khan said the policy was announced through a memo by Fomema Sdn Bhd on Dec 16 last year.

“The business associations only found out about this increase in medical fees and the need for annual tests through Fomema’s website.

“There was no official announcement by the authorities,” he said.

He said it should be reviewed to examine its implications.

“The review will allow a thorough examination of the implications and a collaborative effort between relevant authorities and stakeholders to find solutions that uphold the principles of fairness and equality for all employees, regardless of nationality.

“Our question now is: what is the rationale behind the new policy?” he asked at a press conference at Presma’s headquarters in Sentul, here yesterday.

Speaking on behalf of other stakeholders, such as the Federation of Malaysian Business Associations (FMBA), Jawahar said there had been no discussions or feedback taken from the industry players.

“Fomema unilaterally increased the fees by between 10% and 14%. With about two million foreign workers, that would be RM414mil extra per year.

“We object to the decision and urge Fomema to reinstate the previous medical screening fees and the frequency involving foreign workers,” he said.

Before this, the tests were done every two years.

Previously, health examination charges by Fomema were RM190 for males and RM207 for female foreign workers, which covered screening for HIV, Hepatitis B, syphilis, pregnancy, and the use of opiates and cannabis.

The fees have been raised to RM207 for males and RM217 for females and expanded to include three new categories, namely, filariasis (roundworm), Hepatitis C and methamphetamine.

On Jan 3, Fomema announced that the fresh intake of foreign workers must undergo mandatory health screenings annually.

Previously, foreign workers were required to undergo screening after three years, followed by screenings in alternate years.

Jawahar also said the mandatory tests for diabetes and high blood pressure among foreign workers should be reviewed.

“Fomema fails foreign workers if they have diabetes and high blood pressure.

“Both conditions are not infectious, non-communicable diseases and can be treated.

“The United Arab Emirates and Singapore do not practise this (testing for diabetes and high blood pressure), and they only perform medical screenings once every two years,” he said.

Jawahar said Fomema must also provide a copy of the medical report to employers.

Previously, there were no copies shared with employers.