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

The information was disclosed in a press release issued by the ministry on Monday (October 28).

According to the release, a list of approved medical centres will be published on the ministry’s website soon. Workers have been advised to check the list and verify a centre’s approval status before undergoing medical examinations. Centres that fail to comply with government directives will be removed from the approved list.

The ministry said no medical centre or recruiting agency would be allowed to arrange medical examinations for workers without government instructions and approval.

The ministry has also learned that some brokers and unscrupulous recruiting agencies are attempting to collect passports and money from workers by claiming they can arrange medical examinations without authorisation. Workers have been urged not to respond to such offers or hand over their passports or money before verifying the relevant approvals.

Until further notice, agencies applying for clearance from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) must submit the relevant documents, along with VDR visa papers, for medical examinations at approved centres.

Legal action will be taken against medical centres and recruiting agencies that violate the directives, in accordance with existing laws and regulations. Possible measures include suspending the operations of medical centres, halting overseas recruitment activities by the agencies concerned, and cancelling their approval from the ministry.

The ministry has also requested anyone with information about illegal or unauthorised medical examinations or related activities to report the matter by emailing secretary@probashi.gov.bd. Reports should include the date and location of the incident, the names of the individuals or organisations involved, and supporting evidence.