PETALING JAYA, May 13 — The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) said the government’s illegal foreign workers rehiring programme “was a failure from the start”.
MEF executive director Datuk Shamsuddin Bardan said bigger companies would go through the proper channels to hire registered foreign workers but those operating on a smaller scale would tend to employ those without proper documentation.
“As such, the programme will not see huge numbers, with an average of five illegal workers per company signing up,” he said.
“This is one of the biggest flaws of the programme which the government has failed to see. Illegal workers are only seen in smaller industries ... you’d see illegal workers at a night market or manning a booth but not in a factory.
He denied claims that the programme got off to a slow start as employers were seeking to lift the freeze on hiring new foreign workers.
“The government should instead encourage illegals to register and assist them in looking for a job.”
“This would help minimise the number of illegal foreign workers in the country.”
He said reducing dependency on foreign workers was a good move but cannot be accomplished overnight.
“It will take time to lure locals to jobs that are now monopolised by foreigners. The government and employers should change the perception of such jobs,” Shamsuddin said.
He said at one time, Malaysians perceived being a cook as “undesirable” but now many aspire to be chefs.
“More Malaysians are signing up for culinary courses. We have to change the public’s perception and respect every occupation.”
