Top Glove to train and hire 2k fresh grads, other firms should follow - MP

 

PARLIAMENT | More local business giants should be encouraged to train and hire fresh graduates as a replacement for their foreign workers, according to Kapar MP Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid.

The vocal former trade union leader cited the example of rubber glove manufacturer Top Glove, which has been under the spotlight after a Covid-19 outbreak among its foreign workers.

"Top Glove's management has informed me that early next year they will take in 2,000 workers from among local university graduates and give them training opportunities," Abdullah said in debating the Human Resource Ministry's budget at the committee stage in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He pointed out there was a need for more large local companies to be involved in strengthening technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

Abdullah said the move will ensure that any emphasis on TVET does not stop at the policy-level but that it is also implemented by companies.

"Companies must play a role for them to take up the opportunity, provide room for local workers, like what has been done by Top Glove.

"I was informed that Top Glove had reduced 3,000 foreign workers and replaced them with locals," he said.

"In fact, what surprised me is that Top Glove had taken in fresh graduates and trained them for permanent positions.

"This is an element that the ministry must focus on and give encouragement for more companies to play the same role and carry out the same responsibility, so that we can together uplift workers in the country," he stressed.

The Covid-19 pandemic had raised fresh concerns over Malaysia's policy on migrant workers management, including to enforce the newly amended minimum housing standards.

Top Glove made headlines after about 3,400 workers in Meru contracted Covid-19 which led to the workers' accommodations placed under an enhanced movement control order (MCO).

Since then, the Labour Department has opened 19 investigation papers against Top Glove operations in five states for failing to comply with the Workers' Minimum Standard of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446).- Mkini