KUALA LUMPUR: Major chambers of commerce and business associations are calling on the Government to continue keeping Immigration Department counters open for foreign worker permit renewals after the Feb 28 deadline.

Representatives from 34 major business groups said they wanted the authorities to allow them the option of doing the renewals at counters or online.

The renewals via MyEG’s online system created a “monopolistic situation” and was against the Malaysian Competition Act, they said at a press conference yesterday.

Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and the Industry of Malaysia deputy secretary-general Tan Sri Teo Chiang Kok said: “While we support moving towards online transactions, forcing us to do so, especially with an additional fee, is not the right way.

“In the event that the employer chooses to use MyEG, the RM38 fee should be apportioned out of the RM125 currently being paid to the Immigration Department.

“Online transactions are supposed to be cost-effective and efficient.”

On Monday, Immigration director-general Datuk Mustafa Ibrahim said the Home Ministry had not arrived at a decision over whether to extend the counter services after Feb 28.

On Jan 5, the department announced that its counters would be closed and permit renewals should only be done online via MyEG.

Following protests from various groups, the department re-opened its counters. The online applications were continued as well.

But when the counters were reopened, Immigration staff informed representatives that their company directors had to do it personally, not them.

The representatives, who hold department-issued “yellow cards” (which allows them to act on behalf of their companies) were shocked when told about this.

After further outcry, the department “relaxed” its procedures on Monday.

Human resource managers can now do the renewals.

Malaysia Plastics Manufacturers Association president Lim Kok Boon claimed this was an attempt “to frustrate businesses”.

He said it was impractical for businesses to stop bringing in foreign workers.

“Many think we hire foreign workers because it is cheaper.

“In truth, it is much more expensive,” he pointed out. “We still have to hire them because locals do not want to do these jobs.”

Among the other business groups represented at the conference were the Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, Federation of Ma­­laysian Foundry & Engineering In­­dustries and Malaysian Association of Foreign Maid Agencies.

Resource: The Star Online