KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 12 — Fixing Malaysia’s manpower supply through the hiring of foreign workers is top on Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar's list of things to do.
Sivakumar said 67,958 from a total of 75,751 applications from 466 employers had been approved as of December 2 — the same day he was appointed to the Anwar Cabinet — The Star reported today.
He told the newspaper he hopes the approvals can ease some of the industry's constraints.
"We believe that these approved quotas will significantly meet the demand for foreign labour in the plantation sector," he was quoted as saying.
The Batu Gajah MP also said the government was preparing for a tough 2023 with potential global economic slowdown and rise in inflation rates the main challenges to overcome.
"Many economic indicators have suggested that next year would be more challenging due to unforeseen risks, in particular the fear of a global economic slowdown and inflation rate spike.
"Budget 2023 will be returned or rather recalibrated to assist small and medium enterprises. I believe the new budget 2023, to be tabled by the unity government, will look into factors of employment as well," he told The Star.
Sivakumar said he would be working closely with industry players to find solutions for workers in case of future retrenchment and also focus on developing further the technical and vocational education and training (TVCET), talent management and development as well as social protection.
