Technology for Human Rights

Bestinet’s FWCMS Worker Use Case Safety Measures

KUALA LUMPUR, 24 APRIL 2024 - Recently, the United Nations Human Rights Council-appointed experts have expressed serious concerns regarding the exploitation and dire conditions of Bangladeshi migrants in Malaysia. In a statement released on April 19, they highlighted the urgent need for the Malaysian Government to implement effective safeguards to protect these workers from exploitation and criminalization. The experts emphasized that the situation for these migrants is unsustainable and undignified and called for immediate action to ensure their protection and to address the systemic issues leading to such conditions.

Lured by the prospect of steady work, Bangladeshi migrants frequently travel to Malaysia, only to discover upon arrival that the anticipated employment opportunities are non-existent. This harsh reality leaves them stranded and susceptible to exploitation. As a result, many migrants feel compelled to remain in the country beyond the validity of their visas, which subjects them to a host of dangers, including arrest, detention, and the possibility of harsh treatment or deportation. The situation is further exacerbated by the fact that some migrants face severe consequences for reporting the exploitation they endure.

Bestinet Sdn. Bhd. ("Bestinet"), a Malaysian information technology company known for delivering comprehensive cross-border technology solutions believes that such cases could be avoided with proper due diligence.

Ismail Mohd Noor, CEO of Bestinet, voiced his distress over the hardships faced by migrant workers in Malaysia. "Our organization developed the Foreign Workers Centralized Management System (FWCMS), and it is deeply troubling to witness these individuals' adversities," he remarked. He acknowledged the deceptive recruitment tactics that often result in migrant workers being left without employment or shelter upon their arrival in the country.

"When we are in this business, it is our obligation to look after both the welfare and the fundamental rights of migrant workers; it goes beyond mere transactions," Ismail added.

The FWCMS includes several important features that streamline the hiring and management of migrant workers. This system enables employers to easily apply for and obtain government approval for hiring quotas directly online, making the process quicker and more transparent. Additionally, it simplifies the employment contract process by ensuring that contracts are properly issued, signed, and securely stored.

FWCMS also provides straightforward access for verification by relevant authorities, including embassies from the workers' home countries and Malaysian government agencies. This accessibility aids in maintaining regulatory compliance. Ismail emphasizes the importance of transparency in the recruitment process. "With everything documented and accessible, we can better protect foreign workers from fraudulent job offers and other exploitative situations," he stated.

The FWCMS software is a sophisticated digital platform designed to comprehensively manage the complexities of overseeing migrant worker procedures. This system is tailored to effectively reduce the abuse of migrant workers through several key strategies. It enhances transparency and accountability by digitizing and centralizing all procedural steps, ensuring every phase of the employment process is visible and traceable. Additionally, FWCMS aligns with Government and international regulations, guaranteeing that all hiring practices meet legal and ethical standards.

The system also provides a secure and anonymous channel for workers to report any instances of mistreatment or abuse, thereby safeguarding their safety while facilitating access to necessary support. In addition, the eWages module for monitoring salary payments is crucial for ensuring that workers receive their due salaries and providing a mechanism to alert authorities about payment discrepancies or failures.

"FWCMS streamlines not only migrant worker procedures but also includes additional features to safeguard the safety of workers, such as the ability to report labor issues and ensure they receive their wages accurately and on time," Ismail added.

He emphasised the importance of continuous improvement and shared responsibility. "No single system or solution can solve all the challenges associated with migrant labour. It requires ongoing dialogue, adaptation, and cooperation between nations, businesses, and international organisations to protect and uplift every migrant worker’s human right truly," he concluded.