Sarawak’s FWTA needs tighter agency coordination to manage foreign workers
Sarawak’s Foreign Workers Transformation Approach (FWTA) requires stronger coordination between government agencies, industry associations and employers to address challenges in managing non-resident workers, Deputy…
Source: Dayak Daily · October 8, 2026 at 9:32 PM · AI-assisted report
Single-source
SIBU, SARAWAK, 9 OCTOBER 2026 —
Sarawak’s Foreign Workers Transformation Approach (FWTA) requires stronger coordination between government agencies, industry associations and employers to address challenges in managing non-resident workers, Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government II Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee said.
Market Impact
Tiang, who is also the Pelawan assemblyman, said the FWTA—a framework aimed at improving the management of foreign workers—depends on seamless collaboration between stakeholders to address industry-specific needs. The current system, he noted, involves multiple agencies, processes and stakeholders, making coordination essential for efficiency.
“The management of non-resident employees involves various agencies, different processes and multiple stakeholders, making stronger coordination essential,” Tiang said in a speech at the FWTA Stakeholder Engagement in Sibu on Monday. He urged the Sarawak government, federal agencies, industry groups and employers to work more closely to resolve issues promptly.
Tiang also called on industry stakeholders to provide constructive feedback, emphasising that government improvements rely on understanding challenges faced by those implementing these processes. The goal, he stressed, is not just to streamline procedures but to build a clearer, more transparent and responsive system while maintaining compliance and regulatory standards.
The availability and effective management of foreign workers remain critical to Sarawak’s economic development, particularly as the state continues to attract investment. Tiang said the FWTA must evolve alongside industry needs and economic shifts, with a focus on stronger inter-agency collaboration and better communication with employers.
To facilitate this, Tiang encouraged stakeholders with concerns about FWTA or foreign worker management to contact the Immigration and Labour Management Unit (ILMU) under the Department of the Premier of Sarawak. ILMU will serve as a central point for feedback, ensuring issues are addressed by the relevant agencies.
The deputy minister highlighted the importance of direct communication, stating that it allows the government to respond effectively and identify areas for further improvement. The FWTA’s success, he concluded, hinges on coordinated efforts across all stakeholders to create a more seamless and responsive system for managing non-resident workers in Sarawak.
Related: Immigration and Labour Management Unit (ILMU) · Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee