Can Malaysia prepare local workforce for demanding jobs by 2030?

SHAH ALAM - The Malaysian government's ambitious plan to finalise the target of a gradual reduction of foreign workers by 2030 is anticipated to face challenges in the near future.

Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma) president Datuk Jawahar Ali Taib Khan acknowledged the difficulty of implementing the plan but stressed its necessity to prevent long-term dependence on foreign workers.

Jawahar stressed that, as part of the transition, local citizens must be prepared to take over jobs, particularly in the 4D sectors (dirty, dangerous, difficult, and demeaning), currently dominated by foreign workers.

"Long-term dependence is not good for the country, but what exists in the 4D sector may still need to be replaced or implementable in the near future.

"The period given until 2030 is quite flexible.

"As preparation, we can instill the idea in local citizens to take over and be ready for the positions offered.

"There are many positive changes happening now. Perhaps, in the near future, dependence on foreign workers will still exist, but we have to accept it as best as we can," he said yesterday.

Economic Minister Rafizi Ramli, on Monday, outlined several ongoing government measures, including labor market reforms, progressive wages, industry training, and the reduction of foreign workers through various levies.

He also highlighted the implementation of the Anti-Ali Baba Act to take action against individuals providing licences to foreign workers without meeting the requirements.

Jawahar added that currently, nearly 60 per cent of restaurant workers under Presma are foreign workers.

He welcomed the government's plan, expressing hope for a necessary shift in the mindset of the local population.

"Presma welcomes the government's plan with the hope that our people need to change.

"The current problem is that when they stay in Malaysia, they become 'spoiled,' but if they work outside the country, they can work in the 4D sectors.

"We can see that now, when the government allows the entry of foreign workers after several years of restrictions due to various issues, including Covid-19, I see a surge in business.

"Personally, I have seen a high collection of Sales and Services Tax (SST) for customs payments, meaning this is reciprocal, and the role of restaurants (Presma) paying taxes, zakat, and SST can be used to stimulate the country's economy," he said.