KLANG: The Cabinet meeting today decided to allow a quota of 7,500 foreign workers for three sub-sectors, namely barbershops, textile stores and goldsmiths.
Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar said the reopening of the intake of foreign workers for the three sub-sectors was not comprehensive but based on the actual needs.
He said the Cabinet meeting's decision this morning was in line with the announcement made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Monday (Sept 4) on the reopening of the intake of foreign workers for the three sub-sectors, which had been frozen since 2009.
"These three sub-sectors are (occupation) traditionally for the Indian community. Since businessmen were not allowed to bring in foreign workers, they have faced (a shortage of workers) problem for over 14 years and many have had to shut down their businesses or are on the verge of closing down their businesses if they cannot recruit foreign workers.
"For a start, we (the Ministry of Human Resources or KSM), will give approval for a quota of 7,500 workers and we will try to solve the problems faced by businesses that are critically affected first," he told reporters after the launch of the Jelajah MADANI (MADANI Tour) with KSM here today.
Sivakumar said this measure will also put a stop to the practice of employers recruiting foreigners without valid employment documents, adding that his ministry is aware that such practice could lead to issues like exploitation and forced labour.
He also said that the KSM, together with the Home Ministry (KDN) and Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), will study in detail the appropriate mechanisms for the implementation of this process as the government has currently stopped accepting applications and the approval of the recruitment of foreign workers.
"As such, the mechanism to be developed will emphasise matters such as applications that are subject to the details of quotas set according to the three sub-sectors.
"The KPDN, as the regulatory agency, needs to streamline the quota details with industry players based on the stipulated mechanism," he said.
Sivakumar also explained that applications for foreign workers will adhere to existing procedures in terms of employer screening under Section 60K of the Employment Act 1955 and verification for quota approval, including through the process of interviews together with the regulatory agency, namely the KPDN.
He added that, although approved, his Ministry would continue to provide more workforce in the country to reduce its dependency on foreign labour.
On Monday, the Prime Minister announced that the government had approved part of the applications for the recruitment of foreign workers for the three sectors, which had been frozen.
However, Anwar placed the condition that local youths be trained to fill up vacancies in the three sectors.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Fri Sep 08 2023
Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar said the reopening of the intake of foreign workers for the three sub-sectors was not comprehensive but based on the actual needs. - BERNAMA/Filepic
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.