By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : The Malaysian government has found that 15 employment agencies operating in the country are duping foreign job seekers.
Indian-origin Human Resource Development Minister S. Subramaniam told reporters Sunday that complaints had helped identify these un-registered firms and more investigations were underway.
“The ministry is investigating and gathering proof against these agencies said to be involved in employment scams,” he said.
“Legal action will be taken as soon as there is sufficient proof to charge companies that have cheated job seekers of their money,” he added.
Foreigners form an estimated 20 percent of the Malaysian workforce. Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar last week said the number of foreign workers had crossed the three million mark, besides the illegal ones who enter the country through fake recruiting agencies.
Gradually reducing dependence upon foreign workers, particularly in high-profile areas like tourism, is part of the government’s policy, Albar said.