Malaysia to allow hiring foreign workers in four sectors

Malaysia is partially lifting a freeze on hiring foreign workers in view of what a minister described as ‘acute shortage’ of manpower, reports local media.

News Deskbdnews24.com
Published : 12 May 2016, 06:28 AM
Updated : 12 May 2016, 06:37 AM

The country’s Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai was quoted by 'The Star' as saying that the Cabinet will allow the manufacturing, construction, plantation and furniture-making industries to hire workers from abroad.

The Star said that the decision came after 'appeals’ from the sectors to allow labour imports.

“In view of the acute shortage, we have to lift the suspension to allow these sectors to bring in foreign workers,” Liow was quoted as saying in the report.

It quoted the minister as saying the government was looking to improve the hiring process, after which the ban would be gradually lifted.

“In other sectors, we will go on a case-by-case basis, while waiting for the creation of a more foolproof, transparent and accountable system,” it quoted the minister as saying.

Liow, however, said that it was important for them to ‘regulate’ and ‘properly control’ the hiring process.

Citing a recent survey by the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, The Star said that the 84 percent of the country’s manufacturers were facing labour shortages.

“The survey showed 146 companies in need of 13,270 new workers this year to meet their business objectives and replace unfit or returning workers,” reads the report.