BUSINESS groups are protesting Fomema Sdn Bhd’s increased fee and frequency of medical examinations for foreign workers as the decisions were made without any discussion with stakeholders.

Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners’ Association, Malaysian Indian Restaurant Owners’ Association, Federation of Malaysian Business Associations, and Malaysian Indian Muslim Chamber Of Commerce And Industry in a joint statement said the groups only found out about the increase in foreign workers’ annual health fees upon visiting the Fomema website.

“What is the rationalisation? The business groups are disappointed as there has been no official announcement from government authorities on Fomema’s hikes, which have been effective since December 16.

“Foreign workers used to have to undergo health checkups for up to three years consecutively and would not need another for up to seven years. It was then changed to every alternate year, but Fomema has changed it to every year.

“Fomema also unilaterally increased the fee by 10-14%. With about two million foreign workers, employers have to bear the cost of about RM414 million a year for Fomema medical examinations for foreign workers,” the statement said.

The groups have urged stakeholder discussions before any changes were made.

“We object to the decision and call on Fomema to maintain the previous fee and frequency of health checks for foreign workers,” the statement said.

The groups also said Fomema charged RM190 for male and RM207 for female foreign workers for medical examinations, which covered screening for HIV, hepatitis B, syphilis, pregnancy and drug abuse.

“The fee was later increased to RM207 for men and RM217 for women and expanded to cover screening for ringworm, hepatitis C and methamphetamine.

“We understand countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Singapore that have many foreign workers do not have this practice, and the health screenings in both countries are every two years. We call on Fomema to review this matter.

“Copies of health test reports should be given to employers. Currently, Fomema does not provide copies of test reports to employees or employers,” the statement said. – Bernama, January 20, 2024.