Malaysia cancels TURAP system, easing BD workers' concerns

 
Malaysia has decided to cancel the controversial "TURAP" digital recruitment system, bringing relief to stakeholders involved in sending Bangladeshi workers abroad.

For months, concerns had grown that the system could complicate recruitment procedures and reduce transparency, while potentially increasing costs for migrant workers.

According to Malaysian media, the government scrapped the Foreign Workers Centralised Management System (FWCMS), also known as the Universal Recruitment Advanced Platform (TURAP), at the last moment following strong criticism.

The platform was developed by Bestinet, a company founded by Malaysian businessman of Bangladeshi origin Aminul Islam Abdul Noor, who has previously faced allegations related to recruitment practices involving Bangladeshi workers.

Reports suggest that pressure from politicians and civil society groups played a key role in the decision. Former Finance Minister Rafizi Ramli was among the prominent critics, raising concerns over transparency and possible irregularities in the system.

Stakeholders in Bangladesh's overseas employment sector say the move could open the door to a more transparent and competitive recruitment process, potentially reducing reliance on intermediaries and lowering migration costs.

Bestinet, however, defended the platform, saying it had government approval and international recognition, and was developed over more than a decade without public funding. The company also claimed it improved foreign worker management.

Despite these claims, Malaysian authorities reportedly viewed ongoing concerns over transparency as a risk to the country's international reputation, leading to the final decision to withdraw the system.

Malaysia remains one of Bangladesh's key labour markets, making fair and transparent recruitment an important issue for both countries.