Medical examinations for workers seeking employment in Malaysia will begin on October 31 at authorized medical centres, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment has said.
The ministry has instructed that no medical examinations be conducted or arranged before that date. A list of authorized centres will be published on its website shortly.
The information was announced in a notice issued on Wednesday and signed by Md Shariful Islam, the ministry’s public relations officer.
According to the notice, workers should check the ministry’s website for the list of authorized medical centres, which may be updated based on compliance with government directives and operational capacity.
Medical examinations conducted before October 31 will not be accepted, and the cases will not be processed for immigration clearance, the notice said.
It also warned medical centres and recruiting agencies against conducting or arranging examinations without official authorization from the ministry.
The ministry said it had received reports that brokers and unscrupulous agencies were attempting to collect passports and money from workers by promising unauthorized medical examinations.
Workers were urged not to respond to such offers or hand over their passports or money without verifying the authorization of the individuals or organizations involved.
Until further notice, agencies seeking clearance from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) must submit the required documents, including Visa with Reference (VDR) papers, to an authorized medical centre for examinations, the notice said.
The ministry warned that medical centres and recruiting agencies violating the directives would face strict action under existing laws and regulations. Possible penalties include closure of medical centres, suspension of overseas recruitment operations and revocation of the ministry’s authorization.
Workers have been asked to report suspected illegal or unauthorized medical examinations and related activities to the ministry by emailing secretary@probashi.gov.bd.
Complaints should include the date and location of the incident, the names of the individuals or organizations involved, and any supporting evidence, the notice said.
The ministry said it would continue monitoring the process to prevent irregularities and protect workers’ interests. It urged workers, recruiting agencies and medical centres to comply with the government’s directives, which took effect immediately.