‘Shed dependence on foreign workers’
Invest in technology and machines, says Liow
KUALA LUMPUR: Businesses are reminded to automate their production to reduce their dependence on foreign labour.
MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai noted that although foreign labour was needed to enhance productivity, the country should not just rely on it.
“We have to find ways to see how we can reduce the foreign labour dependency, such as through technology and machines, to raise production,” he added at the Budget 2017 Workshop at Wisma MCA yesterday.
However, for now, he said many sectors are still in need of these workers and in view of this, the Government has allowed the hiring of foreign workers for major sectors, including manufacturing and construction.
He told businessmen to be prepared for a tighter policy on foreign hirings in future.
This was one of the topics discussed at the event, held annually since 2014 as part of MCA’s efforts to engage the people and understand the challenges they face ahead of the next Budget.
Among those present were MCA leaders, including deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia president Datuk Ter Leong Yap, Federation of Chinese Associations (Hua Zong) president Tan Sri Pheng Yin Huah, United Chinese School Teachers’ Association (Jiao Zong) chairman Ong Chiow Chuen and United Chinese School Committees’ Association (Dong Zong) chairman Datuk Lau Lee Ming.
Liow, who is also Transport Minister, expressed optimism about Malaysia’s economic progress, citing the double-digit growth in the first quarter registered by sea ports like Port Klang and Port of Tanjung Pelepas.
“If container traffic continues to rise, I am sure that Port Klang can regain its position among the world’s top 10 ports,” he said, adding that the port is currently ranked 12.
Representatives from various Chinese groups also submitted to Liow their memorandums containing suggestions for Budget 2017.
Among the proposals raised in last year’s workshop that had been incorporated into Budget 2016 were the increase in tax relief for an unemployed spouse from RM3,000 to RM4,000, and from RM1,000 to RM2,000 per child; the rise in relief for education spending on children below 18 from RM6,000 to RM8,000 per child; and providing loans for small and medium enterprises.