Malaysia-bound workers to undergo medical tests from Oct 31

Medical examinations for workers seeking employment in Malaysia will begin at authorised medical centres on October 31, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment said on Wednesday.

In a press release, the ministry said medical tests conducted before October 31 would not be accepted or processed for immigration clearance.

The list of authorised medical centres will be published on the ministry’s website soon. Workers have been advised to check the list regularly, as centres failing to comply with government instructions will be removed.

The ministry warned that no medical centre or recruiting agency could conduct or arrange medical examinations without official approval. It said some brokers and unscrupulous agencies had been attempting to collect passports and money from workers by offering unauthorised medical tests.

Workers have been urged not to respond to such offers or hand over their passports or money without verifying the relevant authorisation.

Until further notice, agencies applying for clearance from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) must submit the relevant documents, including VDR visa papers, for medical examinations at authorised centres.

The ministry warned that medical centres and recruiting agencies violating the instructions could face legal action. Penalties may include the suspension of medical centres’ operations, a halt to overseas recruitment activities by the agencies concerned and cancellation of ministry approval.

Workers have also been asked to report any unauthorised medical examinations or related activities to the ministry, providing the date and location of the incident, the names of the individuals or organisations involved, and supporting evidence.

The ministry said it would continue monitoring irregularities to protect workers’ interests and urged all concerned workers, recruiting agencies and medical centres to comply with the instructions, which take immediate effect in the public interest.