KUALA LUMPUR: The delay in the entry of foreign workers into Malaysia is due to the source countries as they have to carry out several screening tests such as health screening and others.
Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin said, nevertheless, this problem is being resolved and the intake of foreign workers is proceeding smoothly.
"Initially, there were a lot of hiccups, hence the delay, but it is being taken care of although the number was small at the time...it (intake) is now proceeding smoothly and the number of foreign workers entering the country is higher.
"The problem at present is not in Malaysia but at the source countries as they have to undertake screening tests, medical and others, this has caused the delay," she said to the media during the 'Jom Kenali Agrikomoditi' here, today.
Meanwhile, Zuraida said the exports of agricommodity have recorded a good achievement on a month-to-month basis, hitting more than RM100 billion since early 2022.
However, she said the target of RM300 billion would not be achievable this year due to COVID-19 and the foreign labour issue.
"Initially, I projected the entry of foreign workers would be easier this year, but unexpectedly there were many problems. Hence, the entry of foreign workers only started in August and due to this delay, the production target is not achievable," she said.
Zuraida said even though the agricommodity export value target has not been met this year, the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities (MPIC) believed the export value will increase following the recovery in the economy which is almost back to normal.
According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, there were 2.1 million foreign workers attached to various industries in the country as of June this year.
Meanwhile, commenting on the Jom Kenali Agrikomoditi programme held in Ampang today, Zuraida said it was the first series in the Agricommodity Tour at the community level, aimed at giving exposure to the people on the importance of the agricommodity sector to the country.
"The Ampang community travel to all areas in Malaysia and overseas. Although they are not involved directly in the agricommodity industry as smallholders, it is the responsibility of the urban community to also promote the advantages of the sector."
She said the ministry is optimistic that this industry would continue to record an excellent performance despite the challenges of inflation that is likely to happen next year.
The National Agricommodity Policy 2021-2030 which provides the guidelines, is able to empower the agricommodity sector as the pulse of the nation's economic recovery, she said.
It contains five key thrusts, namely sustainability, technology, value-added creation, inclusivity, and sharing of resources and wealth.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sun Oct 23 2022
The delay in the entry of foreign workers is due to the source countries as they have to carry out several screening tests, said Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin. - BERNAMA/Filepic
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
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.