Employers contracting HR agencies to hire cheap FTs from JB

[makapaaa]

[h=2]Employers contracting HR agencies to hire cheap FTs from JB[/h]

May 26th, 2012 |

Author: Editorial

Johor Bahru


These days, companies looking for cheap foreign workers are hiring HR agencies to go across the border to recruit cheaper workers from Malaysia. In particular, they are targeting Malaysian workers living in JB cause they can live cheaply in Johor Bahru (JB) and come to work in Singapore everyday to earn the strong S$ (S$1 = MYR2.5).

By getting a HR agency to do the foreign recruitment, the identity of the company can be kept secret so as to avoid political backlash from Singaporeans who are increasingly unhappy over the massive foreign worker influx situation in Singapore.

These JB workers who commute to Singapore to work everyday also hardly spend any S$ they’ve earned, in Singapore. Some even pre-buy their lunch in JB before coming over to Singapore to work in the morning.

Take for example, HR agency, MCi Career Services, was recently contracted by Singapore company(s) to recruit Malaysian workers in JB [Link]. The advertisement said MCi Career Services provides “a comprehensive range of Human Resource Services” and takes “innovative approaches in customizing” their services. It helps clients “to solve their Human Resource problems”.
It is helping Singapore company(s) in Jurong/Redhill to recruit 80 workers:

80 X Warehouse Assistant/Storekeeper/Packer (JB interview)
Responsibilities:

• Loading/Unloading
• Picking, Packing
• Stock-taking
• General Warehouse duties

Requirements:

• Primary, Secondary, PMR or SPM
• Min 1 year warehousing experience
• No experience/Fresh graduate with positive working attitude will be considered
• With/Without Forklift license
• Only for Singaporean, Singapore PR or Malaysian

Others:

• Working Location: Jurong or Redhill
• Working Days: 5 days/5.5 days
• Package: Basic + Housing Allowance + OT pay + AWS + Performance Bonus + Quarterly Incentive
• Benefits: 14 days annual leave/ Medical Leave & Benefits

Walk in Interview:
26 May, Saturday – 12pm – 4pm
New York Hotel (22nd level)
22 Jalan Dato Adullah Tahir, Johor Bahru, Malaysia​

Even though the advertisement also targets Singaporeans, but which Singaporeans will want to travel to JB for the walk-in interview? Clearly, the whole recruitment exercise is set-up to recruit Malaysian workers only.

 

[nato33]

I hear from friends in many SMEs that its very hard to get Work Permits these days. So assuming if JB based workers are hired, won't they be subjected to the same Work Permit constraints unless these came in as casual or daily rated workers to fly under the radar?

 

[JonnyC]

I'm sure some employers will still hire locally.

 

[Cestbon]

I hear from friends in many SMEs that its very hard to get Work Permits these days. So assuming if JB based workers are hired, won't they be subjected to the same Work Permit constraints unless these came in as casual or daily rated workers to fly under the radar?

Need quota. If 50% FT is not a big deal or even 90% can use phantom worker to register as employee.

 

[Cestbon]

SG dont have min wage that why many employ phantom worker can declare salary $600 for old folk CPF contribution only less than $150 included both employee and employer.
If SG have min wage eg $1200 it will prevent some from taking advantage of phantom worker.
That why I keep saying SG must have min wage. Min wage $1200/month not is too much to ask.

 

[The_Hypocrite]

Its good to operate a business in SIngapore,,,can always use cheap labour and reduce business cost,,,no wonder the rich poor gap is increasing exponentially..good to be boss