MEF calls for tighter foreign worker controls and local hiring priority
The federation wants employers to demonstrate difficulty recruiting Malaysians before receiving foreign worker approvals, but cautions against blanket restrictions.
The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has called for stronger enforcement of foreign worker recruitment rules, saying approvals should be confined to authorised sectors and occupations with genuine staffing shortages, while Malaysians receive hiring priority.
MEF said reports that foreign workers were filling cashier, retail assistant, service attendant and food service roles had prompted questions about the implementation of recruitment policies. It urged tougher compliance checks and action against employers, agents and others who misuse approvals.
The federation proposed requiring employers to show that they faced genuine difficulties hiring Malaysians before applications for foreign workers were approved. It also sought closer cooperation between ministries and enforcement agencies, greater sharing of data and regular assessments of labour shortages to align approvals with demand.
Employers should first try to attract, train and retain Malaysians, MEF said, including through competitive, sustainable pay, better workplace conditions, career development and skills training. It nevertheless acknowledged that foreign labour remained necessary for some dirty, dangerous and difficult (3D) jobs, as well as other roles where reasonable local recruitment efforts had not resolved staffing difficulties.
MEF also asked the government to consider gradually extending restrictions to selected occupations that could be filled locally. However, it warned that across-the-board curbs could create staffing shortages, increase operating costs and interrupt essential services.
