KUCHING: The Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers’ Association (SHEDA) has expressed its gratitude to the Sarawak government for its willingness to reconsider the fee structure under the Foreign Workers Transformation Approach (FWTA) system.
SHEDA acknowledges the government’s efforts to streamline processes, embrace digitalisation, and promote transparency.
However, it raised concerns about the new FWTA fees, which amount to RM1,854 per foreign worker. These additional costs, SHEDA noted, exacerbate the already high compliance, construction, and infrastructure expenses faced by industry players.
“The additional FWTA fees will place financial strain on labour-intensive industries, including property development and the building and construction sectors. This could result in delayed project implementation, reduced investment, and higher property prices,” SHEDA president Augustine Wong in a statement.
The association further emphasised the importance of continued stakeholder engagement sessions to address these concerns. It hopes the implementation of the FWTA fee will be deferred until such discussions have taken place.
“SHEDA reaffirmed its support for the Sarawak government’s objectives and looks forward to a balanced resolution that supports both economic growth and industry sustainability,” he said.
