FWTA needs tighter agency coordination to manage Sarawak’s foreign workers

Tiang (seated centre) speaks during the FWTA Stakeholder Engagement in Sibu on Oct 8, 2026.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Oct 8: The Foreign Workers Transformation Approach (FWTA) needs stronger coordination among government agencies, industry associations and employers to address issues involving non-resident employees in Sarawak, says Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government II Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee.

He said the FWTA provided an important platform to move towards better management of non-resident employees but its success would ultimately depend on how well agencies worked together and responded to the actual needs and challenges faced by industry.

“The management of non-resident employees involved various agencies, different processes and multiple stakeholders, making stronger coordination essential.

“We need to continue strengthening the cooperation between the Sarawak government, relevant federal agencies, industry associations and employers so that issues can be addressed in a more coordinated and timely manner,” he said in his speech delivered at the FWTA Stakeholder Engagement in Sibu today. A copy of his speech text was later shared with DayakDaily.

Tiang, who is also the Pelawan assemblyman, further encouraged industry stakeholders to continue providing constructive feedback.

“Government can only improve when we understand the challenges faced by those who are directly involved in the implementation of these processes,” he said.

He added that the objective was not simply to make processes faster, but to build a system that was clearer, more coordinated, more transparent and more responsive while maintaining the necessary governance, compliance and regulatory requirements.

He also said the availability and effective management of the workforce would remain important to Sarawak’s economic development as the State continued to develop and attract investment.

“Therefore, our approach towards non-resident employees must continue to evolve alongside the needs of our industries and the changing economic landscape.

“Moving forward, I hoped FWTA would continue to strengthen inter-agency collaboration, improve communication with employers and provide a more seamless and responsive service delivery experience,” he said.

He also encouraged industry stakeholders with issues, difficulties or concerns relating to FWTA or the management of non-resident employees to contact the Immigration and Labour Management Unit (ILMU), Department of the Premier of Sarawak, through the appropriate official channels.

“ILMU will serve as an important point of contact to receive and coordinate your feedback and concerns with the relevant agencies.

“By raising issues through the appropriate channels, we can ensure that they are properly understood, followed up and addressed by the relevant parties,” he said.

He said maintaining a direct line of communication was important as it allowed government to respond more effectively and, where necessary, identify areas where further improvements could be made. — DayakDaily