Move to postpone EMC levy welcomed

KUALA LUMPUR: The Cabinet’s decision to postpone the Employer Mandatory Commitment (EMC) levy has been welcomed by bosses although an economist says conti­nuing to be dependent on foreign labour could stunt Malaysia’s growth.

At the same time, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Paul Low said there were plans to amend the Employment (Restriction) Act to increase the penalty of those caught hiring illegals to as high as RM100,000 for every illegal found in their employment.