Mohd Hairi (second from left) visiting a booth during national training week at Southern University College in Skudai.
JOHOR is studying the possibility of ensuring workers who have benefited from training provided by state departments and agencies remain in the country.
State youth, sports, entrepreneur development, cooperatives and human resources committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah said the matter would be studied thoroughly before any decision was made.
“Both the state and Federal Government do not want to provide training only for the workers to later take up jobs in Singapore,” he said when asked about the manpower problem at the national training week at Southern University College in Skudai.
“We could come up with some agreement to bond those who have received training from our departments to remain in the country for a certain period.
“I hope other training providers like private companies will also come up with an agreement to ensure that trainees will remain in Malaysia for six months up to a year after completing their training.
“There are pros and cons when it comes to locals getting jobs across the border and we cannot stop them from doing so,” he said.
He added that lack of manpower was not just a problem in Johor or Malaysia but a worldwide issue.
“We have many foreign investors in Johor which can also help keep our talents in the state.
“On top of that, the state, Federal Government and universities provide opportunities.” — By VENESA DEVI
