Malaysia, Thailand Agree To Review Labour Cooperation MOU
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Thailand have agreed in principle to review the 2003 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Labour Cooperation to modernise the framework governing the recruitment and placement of workers.
The agreement was reached during a bilateral meeting between Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan and Thailand’s Labour Minister Julapun Amornvivat on the sidelines of the 29th ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Meeting (ALMM) in Bangkok on Thursday.
The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) in a statement today informed that during the discussion, both ministers agreed in principle to review the 2003 MOU on Labour Cooperation.
“The planned review aims to establish a modernised agreement tailored to current economic demands, enhance worker welfare standards, and streamline the recruitment mechanism for Thai workers in Malaysia,” according to the statement.
KESUMA informed that both ministers have authorised officers from their respective ministries to hold joint technical meetings to negotiate specific provisions and finalise the new MOU.
“Both ministers also discussed efforts to strengthen cooperation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), recognising its importance in developing a skilled, adaptable, and future-ready workforce in both countries.
“Malaysia and Thailand identified potential areas to expand TVET cooperation, including student and instructor exchange programmes, industry training, and upskilling programmes, particularly in new and high-demand fields such as digital TVET, green skills, smart manufacturing, and cybersecurity,” he said.
The ministry informed that the cooperation will help strengthen skills relevant to industry needs, enhance employability, and support broader skills and labour mobility between Malaysia and Thailand.
According to KESUMA, Ramanan emphasised the importance of aligning the bilateral labour framework with current industry needs and international worker protection standards to ensure mutual economic benefits.
Meanwhile, Julapun reiterated Thailand’s commitment to working closely with Malaysia to establish a safe, transparent, efficient, and fair labour migration pathway.
BERNAMA