THE Human Resources Ministry will consider extending the relaxation of conditions on foreign worker recruitment to the tourism industry, minister V. Sivakumar told the Dewan Rakyat today.

The easing of recruitment conditions is aimed at addressing the shortage of workers in the country.

The plan, which was implemented on January 17, currently covers the manufacturing, construction, plantations, agriculture and services (restaurants only) sectors and subsectors.

Under the move, employers can hire migrant workers from 15 countries without adhering to employment and quota conditions.

Sivakumar said this will be allowed until March 31.

Employers from the five sectors can apply to hire migrant workers through the Foreign Worker Centralised Management System platform.

Sivakumar said his ministry will process and approve applications within three working days.

Earlier, Lim Guan Eng (Pakatan Harapan-Bagan) said the tourism industry should also be considered a critical sector that requires foreign workers.

Sivakumar also said the heavy reliance on migrant labour was due to a lack of interest by locals.

“We are trying to provide more job opportunities to Malaysians through various methods and mechanisms to ensure there are sufficient jobs,” said the Batu Gajah MP.

“However, the ministry’s decision to bring in foreign workers is only temporary.

“We will take all steps to ensure that the reliance on foreign workers is reduced in the future.” – February 15, 2023.