A local vegetable farmer is facing a dilemma. He said he stands to lose RM19,000 every month as he waits for his six migrant worker applications to be approved.

Otherwise, he could try paying up to RM30,000 for an interview with an officer in the Human Resources Ministry, he said, to move his application forward.

Fearing reprisal for highlighting his plight to the media, the farmer declined to be named.

He shared with Malaysiakini that since his application was submitted, he has been contacted by people claiming to be...