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Decision to double charges deferred

PETALING JAYA: The controversial move to double the levy for foreign workers is off — at least for now.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam said the Cabinet had decided to defer the implementation of the levy increase — from RM1,800 to RM3,600 — after considering requests by employers, especially restaurant owners who felt that the hike would further burden them.

The Cabinet, he said, felt that it was not the right time to implement the increase due to the uncertain economic situation.

Various quarters “celebrated” the good news announced on Labour Day yesterday, describing it as a practical move especially in the current economic times.

However, Malaysian Trade Union Congress president Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud said the decision to defer the levy increase was confusing.