The SBF encourages practical review of the FWTA by industry

The cook. Oct 18: The Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) urges the government to review the Foreign Workers Transformation Approach (FWTA) in practice taking into account different needs of each industry, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

According to SBF President Dato Jonathan Chai Voon Tok, while the party recognises the importance of good governance and labour management, the implementation of the policy must take into account the ability of businesses to bear compliance costs.

"We hope that the government can carry out a practical review of the implementation of this policy taking into account concerns of traders, as well as ensuring that the stipulated conditions remain practical and compliance costs can be controlled without compromising the objectives of the government's policy", he said.

He said this while addressing the 10th Anniversary Dinner of Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) at UNIFOR Complex, last night.

In an effort to strengthen the capacity of local companies, SBF also plans to establish SBF Academy which will provide entrepreneurship training, labour development, skills improvement and recruitment programmes, including in the fields of digitisation, artificial intelligence (AI), innovation and productivity.

He also paid tribute to the Prime Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for financial support through BizFund 1 and 2 to implement programs that enhance the knowledge, skills and abilities of their members.

At the same time, SBF hopes government support and cooperation can help realize the desire to have a permanent premises that serves as a hub for membership organizational activities, training programs and business community engagement.

The SBF also intends to expand trade and investment cooperation across Borneo, including through ties with business councils as well as industry associations in Sabah, Brunei Darussalam and Kalimantan.

According to him, efforts to accelerate the full opening of the Tebedu-Entikong border between Malaysia and Indonesia have the potential to open more cross-border trade opportunities as well as strengthen regional business ties.

"SBF will continue to be a constructive partner to the government, supporting the state development agenda while voicing improvement proposals responsibly in order to build an innovative, resilient and ready business community for future challenges", he added.

At the same ceremony, Prime Minister Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg also witnessed the exchange of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Malaysian Contractors Association Malaysia (PKMM) and Borneo Development Capital PLT (BDC). - TVS