PETALING JAYA: While the food & beverage sector is doing all right with the number of foreign workers, the plantation and other sectors say they are still in need of extra hands.
Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) president Tan Sri Low Kian Chuan said there is a need for more workers with the improving state of the national economy.
“The overall supply of foreign workers in various industries remains relatively balanced, with some companies needing additional workers and others having a surplus.
“With the increased inflow in foreign investments and higher-paced recovery of the domestic economy, there is an expectation of increased demand for foreign workers.
“The government should permit applications for foreign workers in specific sectors, such as plantations, on a case-by-case basis,” he said in an interview.
To avoid a surplus of foreign workers in the country, Low urged the government to closely monitor the proportion of foreign workers, ensuring it is capped at 15% of the total workforce to maintain a balanced and sustainable labour market.
SME Association of Malaysia president Chin Chee Seong echoed the view, saying the government should consider certain industries’ needs instead of imposing a blanket ban.
With the severity varying by industry, he confirmed that applications for switching workers are allowed but said approvals are hard to get.
“The government should also seriously look into allowing foreign workers to swap industry, for example, from manufacturing to plantation when the need arises,” he said, adding that the plantation sector still faces significant shortages.
Federation of Malaysian Business Associations chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Malik Abdullah praised the government for approving the foreign workers quota and allowing up to 18 months to bring them in.
However, he said the sudden announcement of halting foreign workers’ intake has affected industries.
On the government’s announcement to cease the Second Labour Recalibration Programme (RTK 2.0) on March 31, Abdul Malik said the abrupt decision does not bode well.
“We understand the government’s policy to reduce foreign workers, but they should tailor approvals based on industry needs, as local workers often avoid the 4D sectors (difficult, dirty, dangerous, demeaning),” he said.
Abdul Malik called for the reintroduction of the replacement system, where a new worker is approved immediately when a worker is sent back using a “check out memo”.
“For every foreign worker who is sent home upon completion or termination of employment, a replacement must be allowed.
“This is because not all workers will work long term,” he added.
