Kuching: The latest increase in FWTA charges has completely exposed that the Sarawak GPS Government was never sincere about resolving this issue. Despite publicly claiming that the Foreign Worker Transformation Approach (FWTA) charges were under review after the matter was raised by me during the recent Sarawak State Legislative Assembly sitting, the government has now allowed Socoe Sdn Bhd, through FWTA Sdn Bhd, to increase the foreign worker permit renewal fee from RM904 (before tax) to RM1,483 (before tax). This clearly demonstrates that while the government was talking about reviewing the charges, it was simultaneously allowing higher fees to be imposed on employers.
The increase casts serious doubt on whether the promised review was ever genuine in the first place.
I had previously warned that the so-called stakeholder engagement sessions appeared to be nothing more than a tactic to buy time and pacify public dissatisfaction. Unfortunately, the latest increase in FWTA charges has proven those concerns to be justified.
While businesses and industry players were led to believe that their views would be taken into consideration, FWTA Sdn Bhd has now been given the green light to collect even higher charges. The latest increase suggests that those dialogues were never intended to find solutions but were instead a public relations exercise designed to create the impression that the government was listening while decisions had already been made behind closed doors.
Businesses are already grappling with rising operating costs, labour shortages and economic uncertainty. Instead of easing the burden, the Sarawak GPS Government has allowed yet another significant cost increase to be imposed on employers. Where is the sincerity in helping businesses, industries and ordinary Sarawakians?
The reality is clear. The government’s actions do not match its words. While promising a review, it has permitted higher charges to be imposed. While claiming to listen to stakeholders, it has allowed employers to bear even greater costs. Big promises, zero action.
What is even more concerning is the complete lack of transparency surrounding this increase. There has been no explanation as to why the renewal fee has jumped so drastically. If the FWTA system is truly as advanced, efficient and beneficial as the government claims, why do the charges keep increasing? Why are employers continuously being asked to pay more?
The Sarawak GPS Government must explain why it has given FWTA Sdn Bhd a free hand to collect these higher renewal charges from employers hiring foreign workers. Who approved the increase? What is the basis for the increase? What additional value or services justify the extra costs being imposed?
More importantly, until today, the Sarawak GPS Government has refused to disclose the full details of the 15-year contract signed with Socoe Sdn Bhd in relation to the FWTA project. Why is the government so reluctant to reveal the terms and conditions of this agreement? What is there to hide?
Sarawakians have every right to know whether this arrangement genuinely serves the public interest or whether it primarily benefits parties connected to the corridors of power.
I have received numerous complaints from employers and members of the public regarding the new charges that have been imposed effective 1 June 2026. Their concerns are legitimate. The state government cannot continue to ignore these grievances while expecting businesses and employers to absorb ever-increasing costs every six months.
The continued secrecy surrounding the FWTA agreement, coupled with the latest increase in charges, only strengthens public suspicion that the government is treating Sarawakians as though they can be misled with promises of reviews and consultations while decisions have already been made behind closed doors.
The Sarawak GPS Government must immediately disclose the full FWTA agreement, explain the basis for the fee increase, identify who approved it, and clarify whether any genuine review of the charges was ever undertaken.
If the government truly believes that the FWTA project is fair, transparent and beneficial to Sarawak, then it should stop hiding behind closed-door arrangements and disclose the full facts for public scrutiny forthwith otherwise the FWTA project should be scrapped altogether.
Sarawakians should not be forced to bear the cost of a scheme that operates without transparency, accountability and public confidence.
Violet Yong
ADUN for Pending
18 June 2026
