KUALA LUMPUR: The shortage of manpower due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the plantation sector to lose up to RM20 billion last year, said Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan.
He said one of the most affected sectors was oil palm plantations which depended on foreign labour.
Therefore, he said, the ministry is opening the registration and determining the quota to bring in foreign workers at the end of this month to meet the needs of the sector.
"Local (citizens) have not shown interest even though we have been looking for almost a year and given the opportunity," he said when answering a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Haji Salim Sharif (BN-Jempol) during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He said taking into account the rapid technological changes, the government emphasised on training and worker development programmes.
He said this was to create a highly skilled and competent local workforce as well as to meet the current and future needs of the industry.
"The 2022 Budget has allocated for the Malaysian Family Job Guarantee Initiative themed 'Keluarga Malaysia, Makmur Sejahtera' to support the goal of reducing the unemployment rate by providing 600,000 job opportunities this year with an allocation of RM4.8 billion," he said in response to a question by S. Kesavan (PH-Sungai Siput) today.
He wanted to know the new vision and policy of the Malaysian government on training and development as well as the actions taken to ensure that the effort can be achieved within the time frame.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Mar 08 2022
The shortage of manpower due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the plantation sector to lose up to RM20 billion last year, said Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan. - Japen photo
Carney aims for global leadership role against Trump after Canada election win
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney completed a comeback victory for the governing Liberals in Monday's election.
Trump to reduce impact of auto tariffs, commerce secretary says
The White House says the US President is building a partnership with both the domestic automakers and our American workers to reduce the impact of his automotive tariffs.
Beijing will not engage in market dumping, China's ambassador to India says
The trade war has stoked fears that Chinese firms may divert goods to other markets, hitting competitiveness of exports from other countries.
Trump's approval rating hits lowest level in 80 years
A recent poll showed US President Donald Trump's approval rating has fallen to the lowest level for any President in the past 80 years.
UN Refugee Chief: Security Council 'chronically failed' to prevent wars
The UN refugee chief on Monday said violence has become the defining feature of today's world, criticising the UN Security Council for failing to prevent and stop wars
Turkish President Erdogan calls for de-escalation between Pakistan, India
The Turkish president on Monday called for a swift de-escalation of tensions between Pakistan and India, Anadolu Ajansi reported.
Trump tariffs: Three key areas in focus for Malaysia-US talks – Tengku Zafrul
Tariff reduction, non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and trade imbalances are the three focus areas in ongoing trade talks between Malaysia & U.S.
UK hosts Palestinian Authority Prime Minister to strengthen ties
The United Kingdom on Monday welcomed Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa to London, marking the first official visit by a PA leader since 2021
Porsche lowers forecasts due to tariffs, China, weak E-car market
German sports car manufacturer Porsche, part of the Volkswagen Group, has lowered its forecasts due to challenges in China, US import tariffs, and weak demand for electric vehicles.
IMF official warns risks for low-income economies in Asia amid trade tensions
Asia's growth is slowing due to the ongoing trade tensions, says Krishna Srinivasan.
Bessent says US may clinch first trade deal with India
One of the first US trade agreements may be with India, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.
Projection: Carney's Liberals win Canadian Parliamentary election
Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberals have won Canada's parliamentary election, according to a forecast by public broadcaster CBC.
South Korea rules out tariff deal with US before June 3 snap election
South Korea seeks tariff exemptions on autos, steel, and more, offering cooperation on shipbuilding, energy, and trade imbalances.
ANALYSIS - China holds off on new stimulus, shows composure in US trade war
China advances this year's stimulus plans but is holding off on fresh measures as it tries to maintain composure.
China's foreign ministry says Xi and Trump did not have a call recently
China says Xi and Trump haven't spoken recently and no talks are underway to strike a tariff deal.
Chinese financial market shows high resilience amid US tariffs - Central Bank
China holds off new stimulus, staying flexible amid US tariffs, but risks slower growth if trade tensions drag on.
Web Summit CEO says US tariffs 'a huge mistake'
The United States doesn't really produce much. There's a huge dependency on China for supply chains, says Paddy Cosgrave.
ECRL completion to boost east coast development, attract more Chinese investments
Tan Sri Ong Tee Keat says the project is set to improve the logistical connectivity between the west and east coasts of Peninsular Malaysia.
Amid Trump tariffs, China's trade and economy tsar steps into spotlight
US has so far insisted it will only negotiate on tariffs with Xi Jinping.
Singapore negotiating for US concessions on pharmaceuticals, chips
Singapore ensures it still has access to high-end AI chips from the American market.