‘GOVT’S HELP NEEDED ON LABOUR SHORTAGE’

MIC to meet DPM to push for a solution

MIC will meet Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also home minister, to push for a solution for the labour shortage in Cameron Highlands.

MIC Youth chief Datuk Sivaraajh Chandran said the government’s help was needed to avert a worsening shortage of workers.

He said a study found that Cameron Highlands contributed about RM5 billion to the country’s gross domestic product.

“With so much at stake, the authorities must act fast to find a solution,” he said yesterday.

Cameron Highlands, known for its agricultural and tourismbased resources, is deemed as MIC’s traditional political seat, which the party has held since 2004.

Sivaraajh said the Home Ministry needed to review the ratio of labour force per hectare of farmland in the country, especially in Cameron Highlands.

The current ratio of six workers per hectare, he said, was insufficient due to dependence on manual labour, thus, affecting agricultural produce activity.

“The ratio should be increased to 12 labourers per hectare to improve agricultural productivity.”

On Jan 21, Cameron Highlands Agricultural Cooperative Association representative Wong Seng Yee was reported as saying that the shortage was about 50 per cent, with at least a quarter of farmlands lying fallow.

It had worsened following Op Gading raids, led by the National Security Council, to clear illegal farms and nab illegal foreign workers.

Wong said the situation had been ongoing for many years, but was never this serious.

“Farmers are facing market failure and production problems, especially those who export their produce.

“The labour shortage delays harvest and replanting, thereby reducing yields. This means they cannot meet contractual obligations.”

He warned the situation could lead to higher vegetable prices.