PETALING JAYA: Independent monitoring by civil society groups and international bodies is ­crucial to ensure direct hiring systems protect foreign workers as exploitation could persist otherwise, stakeholders warn. “Bodies such as the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) can help determine whether direct hiring is truly effective and whether it genuinely eliminates exploitative middlemen and traffickers. “For direct hiring to work effectively, both sending and receiving governments, such as Malaysia and Indonesia, must provide clear guidelines, capacity-building for stakeholders and standardised contracts,” she said. While supporting direct hiring in principle, Zarina said ­eliminating middlemen alone would not end exploitation. “Direct hiring can work, but only if it is supported by clear systems, monitoring and enforceable safeguards,” she said.

Source: The Star February 03, 2026 23:16 UTC