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KUALA LUMPUR: In seeking to make up for the worker shortage in the plantation and commodity sectors due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Minister of Plantations and Commodity Industries, Datuk Dr. Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali, has asked locals to fill the void left by foreign workers.
He said the labor shortage in the plantation and commodity sectors was quite 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 entry of foreign workers, who are not yet able to enter the country, 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.
Mohd Khairuddin said the ministry will redouble its efforts to fill the labor shortage in the plantation and commodity sectors by conducting a campaign to attract more locals, including indigenous people, to work in these 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 Institute of Plantations and Commodities,” he said.
He 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 for employment that is still difficult to attract locals.
“The ministry, in collaboration with other ministries and related agencies, will continue to work hard to help the agricultural products sector recruit workers through campaigns to encourage the participation of the local population.
“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. – Called
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