‘Traders need at least 500 foreign workers’
The Selangor Wholesale Market in Seri Kembangan here needs at least 500 foreign workers.
Small- and Medium-Scale Entrepreneurs Association of Malaysia (Ikhlas) president Datuk Mohd Ridzuan Abdullah said with 320 lots at the market, each required at least two foreign workers to help traders with their business.
“We hope the government helps us with the issue, which has been ongoing for some time.
“Maybe by granting a blanket approval of at least 500 foreign workers to work here would ensure smoother business operations,” he said here yesterday.
Ridzuan said frequent raids by the Immigration Department on the market of late were disrupting business operations.
Acknowledging that there were traders using foreigners without proper documentation, Ridzuan said they were left with no choice after their applications were rejected, coupled with the complicated procedures.
“Many of the traders are willing to pay the foreign worker levies, but their applications were rejected time after time.
“We hope the government grants us a blanket approval of at least 500 foreign workers and the application process is managed by a company since it is difficult to apply individually.
“We hope to discuss the foreign workers issue with the Home, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs and the Human Resources Ministries.
“We are in the midst of preparing a report to be presented to the ministries,” he said, adding that Ikhlas hoped a meeting would be held by next month.
“We want to make it easier for the traders, ministries and the authorities involved in this matter.”
In the meantime, Ridzuan said he hoped traders would be given a six-month grace period until matters related to the foreign workers issue were sorted out.
Last month, more than 100 foreigners were detained at the wholesale market during a swoop by the Immigration Department, following reports that it was controlled by foreigners.
The foreigners were detained for various offences, including not having passports and relevant documents.
Forty-six United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees card holders were also detained.
It was reported that Deputy Home Minister Datuk Mohd Azis Jamman, who was present during the raid, said the influx of foreigners at wholesale markets was a serious problem, with some becoming “owners” of the lots.
Vegetable trader S. Saravanan claimed that the issue had been ongoing for the past 18 years.
“Previously, the Immigration Department would conduct raids once in six months, but now the raids take place almost daily.
“We know the authorities are doing their job, but we hope that we will be given ample time to find replacement workers.”
Saravanan said he had advertised for vacancies at his shop, seeking local workers, but to no avail.
“Locals are not interested in working at the wholesale market due to the long working hours.”
Poultry trader Zaki Abdul Manan hoped the Home Ministry and the Immigration Department could help the traders.
“The situation has been going on for so long. We hope the authorities will look into this matter and help the traders who are genuinely running the business.”