Special task force to iron out foreign workers’ issue
I have emphasised that we should have a long term plan to give priority to the local workforce, the automation programme, the semi and the skilled workers training programme.
PUTRAJAYA: A special task force, consisting of the Home Ministry and the Human Resource Ministry, has been set up to address the foreign workers’ employment issues, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Ahmad Zahid who is also the Home Minister said the task force was given 30 days to iron out the issues which were brought up by the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM) in a roundtable dialogue here, yesterday.
“I have emphasised that we should have a long term plan to give priority to the local workforce, the automation programme, the semi and the skilled workers training programme,” he told a media conference after chairing the meeting.
The roundtable session is part of the government’s continuous effort to engage directly with business associations on various issues for the benefit of all parties.
As of Jan 31, there were 1.8 million foreign workers employed in the sectors of work that were approved by the government. Ahmad Zahid emphasised the need for industry players to comprehend and understand the
Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister
rationale of government policies related to foreign workers.
He urged the industry to work in tandem with the government in implementing the said policies.
“The government, especially the Home Ministry, appreciates the input and feedback from the business community with regards to foreign workers and its related issues,” he said.
The engagement with the relevant stakeholders clearly reflects the government’s commitment to formulate and implement policies which are inclusive and strategically beneficial for all parties, especially the general Malaysian public in ensuring greater economic growth and shared prosperity.
Before the roundtable session, Ahmad Zahid received a courtesy call from the senior leadership of NCCIM led by its president, Datuk Ter Leong Yap.
The NCCIM comprises key business associations including the Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia ( DPMM), the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), the Malaysia Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry ( MAICCI), the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers ( FMM). — Bernama