Medical Tests for Malaysia-Bound Workers to Start on October 31

Medical examinations for workers seeking employment in Malaysia will begin at authorised medical centres from October 31, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment has announced.

The ministry said no medical tests would be conducted before the scheduled date. Any tests carried out before October 31 would not be accepted or processed for immigration clearance, according to a press release signed by the ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Shariful Islam. The list of authorised medical centres will be published on the ministry’s website soon.

Workers have been advised to regularly check the list, which may be updated depending on compliance with official instructions and the capacity of the centres. No medical centre or recruiting agency will be permitted to conduct or arrange medical examinations without official instructions and approval from the ministry.

The ministry said it had received reports that some brokers and unscrupulous agencies were attempting to collect passports and money from workers by promising to arrange medical tests without proper authorisation.

Workers have been urged to avoid such offers and refrain from handing over their passports or money to anyone without verifying their authorisation.

Until further notice, recruiting agencies seeking clearance from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) must submit the required documents, along with Visa with Reference (VDR) papers, for medical examinations at authorised centres.

The ministry warned that medical centres and recruiting agencies violating the instructions would face legal action under existing laws and regulations.

Possible penalties include the suspension of operations at non-compliant medical centres, a halt to overseas recruitment activities by the agencies concerned and the cancellation of ministry approval.

Workers have also been requested to report any unauthorised medical examinations or related activities to the ministry. Complaints should include the date and location of the incident, the names of the individuals or organisations involved, and any supporting evidence.

Complaints can be submitted via email to secretary@probashi.gov.bd.

The ministry said it would continue monitoring the situation to safeguard workers’ interests and safety, urging workers, recruiting agencies and medical centres to strictly follow the government’s instructions.