Unauthorised recruitment sparks concern

Unauthorised recruitment activities have begun targeting Bangladeshis seeking jobs in Malaysia, despite the two governments yet to formally announce the reopening of the Malaysian labour market, raising fears of fraud and excessive recruitment costs.

A section of recruiting agencies and intermediaries have reportedly started interviewing prospective workers and arranging medical tests, prompting concern among jobseekers and legitimate recruiting agencies.

The latest incident came to light after a mobile court sealed a diagnostic centre in Dhaka’s Paltan area for conducting medical examinations and issuing reports for Malaysia-bound workers without government approval.

On October 1, the court sealed Human Diagnostic and Medical Centre on Box Culvert Road following an inspection that found several irregularities.

According to officials, the centre’s database showed that 14 Malaysia-bound workers had undergone medical tests and received reports between September 20 and 30, although the facility had no government authorisation to conduct such tests for Malaysian-bound migrants.

Inspectors also found the signboard of another facility, Samiha Diagnostic Centre, displayed at the same premises alongside that of Human Diagnostic and Medical Centre, raising concerns over the use of multiple identities.

The court suspended all activities at the facility and sealed the premises to protect jobseekers and maintain discipline in overseas recruitment.

The action followed a crackdown on Triple A Overseas (RL-2630), whose office was sealed after authorities reportedly found irregularities in its recruitment activities for Malaysia.

The agency had allegedly interviewed hundreds of prospective workers despite the absence of any formal government announcement reopening recruitment. It also does not have permission to send workers to Malaysia.

The incidents come as Bangladesh and Malaysia work towards resuming recruitment after Kuala Lumpur suspended the recruitment of Bangladeshi workers on May 31, 2024.

Although the reopening has yet to be formally announced, there are signs that the process is moving forward. The Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur recently attested a demand letter for 28 Bangladeshi workers sought by Malaysian supermarket chain NSK Trade City through Goodness Services Ltd.