HR minister: Malaysia, Nepal agree on new mechanism to curb migrant worker exploitation

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan speaks during a press conference at Wisma HRD Corp in Kuala Lumpur on July 6, 2026. — Picture by Choo Choy May

First Published: Friday, 25 Sep 2026 9:07 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 — Malaysia and Nepal have agreed to streamline their labour recruitment mechanism to ensure a more orderly, transparent and integrity-driven process, while curbing practices that could lead to worker exploitation.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the commitment was expressed during a phone call with his Nepali counterpart, Minister of Youth, Labour and Employment, Ramjee Yadav. The call also touched on bilateral ties in labour and employment.

In a Facebook post yesterday, Ramanan said both sides recognised the need for a more orderly and transparent recruitment mechanism, and to address practices that burden workers with high costs or expose them to exploitation and unscrupulous intermediaries.

“Malaysia remains committed to managing foreign workers based on the principles of integrity, transparency, accountability and worker protection, without neglecting the real needs of our industries and labour market.

“Our principle is clear. The system must protect workers, facilitate employers, and at the same time close off any room for exploitation and abuse,” he said.

Ramanan said Malaysia and Nepal, which have maintained diplomatic ties since 1960, agreed to continue communicating through appropriate bilateral channels to strengthen cooperation in labour and employment.

He also extended his condolences and sympathies to the Nepali government and its people following the tragic loss of life and destruction caused by last month’s devastating floods.

He added that the MADANI government will continue to give serious attention to the fate of 55 Malaysians still uncontactable following the disaster.

According to international media reports, the death toll from the Aug 26 disaster at the Nepal-China border has risen to more than 1,450, with over 6,000 people still missing across both countries. — Bernama