TRADE ASSOCIATIONS MUST STOP BULLYING
THE human resources minister’s call for eateries to hire local cooks has been slammed by trade associations and restaurant operators.
In the face of protest, the minister has reportedly backtracked on his announcement.
The argument that Malaysians do not want to be cooks is no different from other sectors claiming that locals are avoiding 3D (dirty, demeaning and dangerous) jobs.
How long do we want to believe unfounded claims by the business community?
Why do hawker stalls or restaurant operators need to employ foreign cooks to prepare local menu?
In the wake of the minister’s call, these operators are threatening to pass on the increased cost (that seemingly would be incurred if Malaysians are hired) to consumers.
If one cannot smell the greed here, he or she is party to plundering the country of local talent.
Who does not know that these claims are made by businessmen who get into the food and beverages industry purely for profit? Many have other professions and are pumping their money into the F&B operations to rake in easy money. Some may be proxies to foreign individuals, too.
Hiring foreign workers gives them quicker, bigger profits.
Go ask these foreign workers in fast food outlets, restaurants, coffee shops and hawker centres. They will tell you about the long hours in the kitchen, no days off, no overtime pay and much to be desired working conditions in exchange for minimum wages.
We must have the will to wipe out such business-oriented people who would stop at nothing just to make a quick buck.
If it is true Malaysians do not want to be cooks in local outlets, how do you explain the many selling nasi lemak and other local delicacies to eke out a living?
Perhaps it is time to review the licences and establish the background of the true owners of these eateries. That will help the reforming government of the day stand its ground.
The Human Resources Ministry must take the bull by the horns even if food outlet associations threaten to close shop. Only fools and those with vested interests will believe such threats.