Announcement soon on solution to labour shortage

THE government has come up with a concrete solution to address the problem of labour shortage faced by some sectors, especially in export-oriented and manufacturing industries, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong.

He said the solution will be announced by the prime minister or his deputy soon.

Last Saturday, Taipei Investors Association in Malaysia lamented the longstanding problem of labour shortage faced by Taiwanese companies operating in Malaysia, and that many were afraid to accept orders for fear of not being able to meet delivery deadlines.

The association also expressed concern that some of the companies may be forced to move their operations out of Malaysia.

Earlier, SME Association of Malaysia vice-president Datuk Sim Eng Peng had warned of the possibility of an exodus of foreign investments if the problem of foreign labour shortage was not resolved.

Asked for his comment on the issue on Sunday by Sin Chew Daily, Wee said: “The government is aware (of) and concerned (about the problem of shortage of foreign workers). We have a practical solution, especially for export-oriented industries but (I’m) not at liberty to provide the details. It (the solution) will be announced by the prime minister or the deputy prime minister”.

He disclosed that he and International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed had been working on the problem and had briefed the prime minister and deputy prime minister.

“Mustapa and I had met with the relevant parties, including (representatives of) the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, the manufacturing and export-oriented industries more than a month ago (to work out a concrete solution).”

Meanwhile, Immigration DirectorGeneral Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali said his department had been simplifying the procedures on foreign worker procurement and urged employers to apply online instead of going through middlemen.