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KUALA LUMPUR: To make up for the worker shortage in the plantation and commodity sectors, Malaysians have been urged to fill the void left by foreign workers.
Plantation and Commodity Industries Minister Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali said that the labor shortage in the two sectors was critical and it was feared that it could affect the performance and progress of the country’s agricultural industry.
“At the same time, the security of the Malaysians cannot be compromised. Therefore, the Ministry considers that the prohibition of the entry of foreign workers is the best approach, taking into account the current situation.
“Furthermore, in a situation where many Malaysians are losing their jobs, it is appropriate to limit the hiring of foreign workers,” he said in a statement today.
Khairuddin said that the ministry will redouble its efforts to fill the labor shortage in the plantation and commodity sectors by conducting a campaign to attract more Malaysians, including indigenous people, to work in the sectors.
“The ministry will continue to move forward to prioritize locals working in the plantation and commodity sectors, as well as empower human capital through training and courses at the Malaysian Plantation and Commodity Institute,” he said.
“The ministry also appreciates the participation of local employment agencies to encourage locals to work in these sectors. It is important that efforts can be made to reduce dependence on foreign workers, ”he said.
Khairuddin said the government is also considering granting temporary permits to illegal foreign workers in the country to address the critical situation in the oil palm and rubber sectors as it is still difficult to attract Malaysians.
