THE government is considering allowing foreign workers in the sectors that are experiencing a shortage of manpower, Muhyiddin Yassin said.

The National Recovery Council (NRC) chairman said labour shortage was a particular problem for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

“In terms of workers, we have to know which sectors are lacking workers, how many workers are needed, and how to solve the shortage. Either training will be provided for Malaysians to fill the shortage or we bring in foreign workers who meet our health requirements.

“Among the most affected is the plantation sector,” Muhyiddin said after chairing an NRC meeting at Lanai Kijang in Kuala Lumpur.

Muhyiddin’s announcement follows Putrajaya’s September 19 notice that the freeze on migrant labour was extended until the end of the year.

Human Resources Minister M. Saravanan had previously said that the cabinet would decide on the intake of foreign workers.

Muhyiddin said the NRC has set up a special task force involving several ministries to address the issues faced by SMEs and also the underprivileged. 

“The council has decided to focus on these two areas especially on aid and the shortage of workers. 

“The council is of the view that a detailed analysis has to be done.”

This is to ensure that the affected industries are identified and short- and long-term measures are found. 

Muhyiddin said the task force has been given one month to complete its  study. 

“This is important because we need to know which SME sector is the worst affected and see how we can address the issue. 

“As for the underprivileged, the main thing is to ensure how we can give out aid to those who are in need.”

He also said that the government wants to collaborate with civil society groups to provide aid for the needy.

“This collaboration with the civil society groups will be done in the next two months.” – October 15, 2021.