Gobind: FKW Application Processing Issues Near Resolution After Industry Complaints and Inter-Agency Review
GEORGE TOWN, April 20 — Efforts to resolve disruptions in the processing of foreign knowledge worker (FKW) applications are entering their final phase, with the Digital Ministry expecting a solution to be implemented within days, Minister Gobind Singh Deo said.
Speaking to reporters after officiating a digitalisation initiative in Penang, Gobind confirmed that the issue — which has triggered concern among industry stakeholders — has been under active review for about a month.
He said a dedicated team from the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation has been conducting a detailed assessment of the system, working closely with relevant agencies to identify root causes and propose corrective measures.
“The complaints have been thoroughly examined. We have already outlined a solution framework and presented it at the Cabinet level,” he said.
According to Gobind, the ministry is now awaiting several additional inputs from the Ministry of Home Affairs Malaysia, which plays a key role in managing aspects of the application process.
He expressed confidence that the outstanding details will be resolved either within the week or, at the latest, by the following week.
Industry players had earlier raised concerns over updated guidelines and prolonged processing times, warning that delays could affect business operations, particularly in sectors reliant on skilled foreign talent.
Gobind acknowledged that the matter requires careful coordination across agencies, given the overlapping jurisdictions involved.
As of last Friday, a total of 3,100 complaints had been recorded, reflecting the scale of the issue and the urgency of addressing it.
“We understand the impact this has had on industry. That is why we have prioritised finding a solution that is both effective and sustainable,” he said.
Beyond addressing the FKW issue, Gobind also highlighted broader digital transformation efforts under the ministry, particularly initiatives aimed at modernising administrative systems across various sectors.
At the event, he launched a digital management system for temples under the Penang Hindu Endowments Board, marking another step in the government’s push to expand digital adoption.
The system enables online transactions, including payments and bookings for religious services, reducing the need for physical visits and streamlining operations.
Gobind said the initiative, introduced over a year ago, is designed to improve efficiency and transparency in the management of religious institutions.
“Digitalisation allows for better record-keeping, more efficient processes and greater convenience for users,” he said.
He added that the response to the initiative has been encouraging, with an increasing number of places of worship nationwide adopting similar systems.
Observers note that the ministry’s dual focus on resolving operational issues and advancing digitalisation reflects a broader strategy to enhance service delivery while supporting economic growth.
For now, attention remains on the FKW system, where stakeholders are awaiting concrete improvements that can restore confidence and ensure smoother processing in the future.
-wilayah.com.my
