17/05/2025

SATURDAY | MAY 17, 2025

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‘Bangladeshi nationals to be treated fairly’

KUALA LUMPUR: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to ensuring that no manipulation, exploitation or employment fraud is perpetrated against Bangladeshi nationals in the country. Saifuddin Nasution, who received a courtesy call yesterday from Bangladesh Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, expressed hope for continued cooperation from Bangladesh to help realise this goal. “This meeting provided an opportunity for in-depth discussion on issues concerning the management of foreign workers from Bangladesh, which involved several policy and operational matters, including the government’s key commitment to reducing migration costs,” he said in a post on his Facebook page on Thursday. Saifuddin Nasution also conveyed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s appreciation to the Bangladeshi government for its continued support in efforts to streamline the management of foreign workers in Malaysia. Meanwhile, the Human Resources Ministry said in a post on X that its minister Steven Sim Chee Keong also discussed various key issues related to the welfare and management of foreign workers, especially from Bangladesh, during Asif’s visit to the ministry. The ministry said both parties stressed the importance of strengthening strategic cooperation to ensure a safe, fair and rights respecting employment ecosystem. “Sim reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to remaining an ethical employment destination by ensuring foreign workers have access to social protection, welfare and skills training in line with the principles of compassion, justice and well-being under the Malaysia Madani framework.” – Bernama KUCHING: The Education Ministry is now allowing transfer applications from teachers who have served for at least two years. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the applications could also be made without any additional condition. “This decision was made after taking into account various views as well as the Madani government’s commitment to the well-being of teachers,” she said at the 54th National Teachers’ Day celebration yesterday. Also present was Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Previously, teachers were not allowed to apply for transfers within the first three years of service. Fadhlina said the ministry has appointed 1,470 teacher assistants for 2025, with selected schools to receive two assistants each, based on set criteria. “The ministry will also send selected teachers and officers for short-term overseas courses to gain knowledge and experience in specialised fields. This initiative involves an allocation of RM4 million.” Fadhlina announced that 32 teachers would be sent to international schools in the United Kingdom at no cost, under the Global Immersion for Future-Ready Teachers programme. She said teachers would be entitled to a 20% discount on flight tickets through the MH GOM portal, with further details to be announced later. – Bernama Transfer rules for teachers relaxed

Saifuddin Nasution, accompanied by Immigration Department Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban, presenting an award at the department’s Excellent Service Awards ceremony in Putrajaya yesterday. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

More time given for illegal migrants to go home o Extended repatriation programme aims to enable undocumented people to return home legally, says minister Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PUTRAJAYA: Undocumented migrants in Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan will now have additional time to return to their home countries legally under the extended Migrant Repatriation Programme 2.0 (PRM 2.0). Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the programme, now set to run from May 19 to April 30, 2026, was approved by key regulatory agencies, including the Attorney-General’s Chambers. “The extension aims to facilitate the voluntary return of undocumented migrants without subjecting them to legal action. PRM 2.0 is not open to individuals who registered but failed to leave under the previous programme. “It is also not available to those blacklisted by the Immigration Department or individuals with arrest warrants or who are wanted by the authorities,” he said after presenting the Immigration Department’s Excellent Service Awards yesterday. PRM 2.0 provides undocumented migrants the opportunity to return to their home countries voluntarily, and those who qualify will not face prosecution. They are required to pay a compound fee determined by the nature of

their offence. Saifuddin Nasution said under PRM 2.0, individuals found entering or staying in Malaysia without a valid pass are subject to a compound of RM500, which also applies to those who overstay the permitted period. He said additionally, an RM300 compound is imposed for breaches of pass conditions and applicants must also pay RM20 for each issuance of a Special Pass. He added that foreign children under the age of 18 who had overstayed or were brought into Malaysia without a valid pass are exempt from paying the compound fee but are still required to pay the RM20 charge for the Special Pass. He said individuals with special legal status, such as foreign spouses of Malaysian citizens who have overstayed, are required to present themselves at the Immigration Department’s Visa, Pass and Permit Division for pass adjustment. “The Home Ministry urges all parties, including foreign representatives, employers and migrant communities to disseminate this

information and encourage early participation to avoid congestion as the deadline approaches.” Saifuddin Nasution also announced that a total of 7,200 policemen would be deployed for the Asean Summit, which would be held on May 26 and 27 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. He said over 2,000 personnel at the Immigration Department are currently undergoing training to ensure a seamless process when delegates arrive. “It’s crucial that the movement of people and goods is seamless. We have mapped out all primary entry locations, such as Subang airport, where many will be arriving.” He added that the road closures for the Asean Summit would be announced on May 20. He said the Home Ministry plans to carry out its dry run on May 20, and the police are currently in the final preparation stage. Kuala Lumpur is set to host the 46th Asean Summit, alongside the second Asean-GCC Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Economic Summit, all taking place this month. affordable housing. “Malaysia has an excellent track record in delivering sufficient affordable housing that is well-received by the public. This success stems from a holistic housing ecosystem which has pushed the home ownership rate to 76.9%. “Our initiatives are guided by the National Housing Policy 2018–2025, which outlines systematic and efficient planning, development and management of the housing sector.” Nga said if given the mandate to lead UN-Habitat, Malaysia would spearhead crucial dialogues and decisions on adequate housing and the future of sustainable, livable cities. – Bernama

Nation’s agenda if given UN-Habitat presidency KUALA LUMPUR: Urban renewal, affordable housing and a circular economy will be among the key agendas Malaysia will champion if appointed as president of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Assembly for the 2026–2029 term, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming. He said urban renewal is not merely a ministry initiative but a vital national agenda. “In the current national development landscape, 78% of the country’s population resides in urban areas, and by 2050, it will rise to 85%. buildings and unsafe environments. Therefore, urban renewal must be carried out for the well being of the people.” Nga was speaking on Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme on the topic “UN-Habitat: Malaysia Ready to Lead Global Sustainable Development”. Malaysia hopes to be elected as president of the UN-Habitat Assembly for the 2026–2029 term, which aligns with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. An official announcement on the presidency is expected at the end of this month.

“Currently, over 200 million people worldwide are living in slums, dilapidated

Nga said Malaysia aims to showcase its expertise in providing high-quality,