Reform labour laws so more locals can get hired

MALAYSIANS have long complained that foreigners are saturating the local job market. The two reasons often cited for this phenomenon are that foreigners are willing to settle for low wages and work odd hours.

My solution is to nullify these two advantages. We need laws that equalise wages earned by locals and foreigners. Some might find this absurd, as it seems as if foreign talent is being given the same priority as local talent. However, we should understand that foreigners are human too and should be given the same respect as locals.

Moreover, equalising salaries removes a key advantage from hiring foreign workers. I also think that foreign workers would appreciate the increase in pay.

Secondly, we need laws to limit working time for all workers, local and foreign, depending on the sector.

The implementation of these two laws would effectively make hiring foreign talent more taxing, as employers need to apply for permits.

We will also need strict enforcement for at least the first three years. Enforcement can be loosened after three years as an example of norms in the industry would have been set. Periodic enforcement after that would be more than enough. Providing equal limitations can solve the problem of under-hired local talent. ARVIN Senai, Johor