SELANGOR has no issues on the employment of foreign workers provided they are employed in the critical sectors, said Amirudin Shari.

The menteri besar said there are no issues as certain sectors are dependent on them. 

“We need skilled labour, for example, in the construction and other critical sectors. But they must be strict data on who are allowed to work or not allowed.

“We also have to ensure that there are strict controls (by employers) and that they (foreign workers) follow the standard operating procedures,” he told Malaysian Insight.

On June 22, Human Resources Minister M. Saravanan said the hiring of new foreign workers has been frozen until year-end. 

The temporary freeze is to ensure locals find jobs first, said Saravanan.

Amirudin said there must be understanding and collaboration between ministries to create policies for the construction and other sectors that rely on foreign workers. 

“The biggest issue now is control. If we are able to manage and implement proper health checks (for foreign workers), then the process (hiring) will move smoothly.”

Industries should also contact the Human Resources Ministry and explain the need for the foreign workers, he said.

“Preference should be given to foreign workers who can help revive the economy. 

“Apart from managing the pandemic, we also got to look into the economy which will severely be affected if it is not revived quickly.”

If Malaysians also don’t follow the SOPs, then the coronavirus will continue to spread, he said. 

“The virus doesn’t differentiate between locals or foreigners. As long as there is no vaccine then the SOP of social distancing and the use of masks are important to prevent the spread.”

Selangor had the highest number of Covid-19 cases at the peak of the pandemic during the imposition of the movement-control order in March. – July 28, 2020.