'No issues hiring inmates but govt need to lay out safety measures, say bosses

SHAH ALAM - Employers and business owners from various industries have no issues hiring former inmates, but called on the government to provide safety measures.

In fact, they have openly supported the initiatives planned by the government to hire more people with disabilities, former inmates, the homeless, and the unemployed.

However, Waarna co-founder Tengku Zadora Tengku Ahmad Zainal Abidin suggested that the government should scrutinise the plan before putting it into action.

"Things like, for instance, those with drug issues. What if they suddenly have the addiction again. This will certainly impact the organisation. Colleagues might be influenced by or uncomfortable with the environment.

"So what will the government do? How can they guarantee the organisation’s well-being, if this kind of issue arises," she said.

On the government’s initiative to motivate employers to hire more people with disabilities, former inmates, the homeless, and also the unemployed community by giving out RM750 incentives for six months, Tengku Zadora lauded and welcomed the idea.

She believes that the six-month period can help employers during the probationary period of new hires.

Echoing similar sentiments, Coffee Star Chief Executive Officer Raja Ahmad Fauzan Raja Hassan also agreed with the initiative introduced by the government.

"I believe this is a positive step towards increasing employment opportunities for all segments of our society.As a business owner, I strongly agree with this initiative.

"This also could be one of the solutions to the acute manpower shortage, since we have to rely heavily on foreign labour while we still have some untapped potential in the form of people with different abilities," he suggested.

Raja Ahmad Fauzan also stated that including army veterans and orang asli on the list would be beneficial.

For him, it could be a starting point for businesses to promote an inclusive working environment.

Previously, in Budget 2023, the government announced which incentives would be provided to employers who hired vulnerable groups.