700,000 out of work but ‘3D jobs’ go a-begging

 

Foreign workers do not take away jobs from local people, but actually take up work that Malaysians won’t do, says an academic.

PETALING JAYA: The country’s largest employers’ association has defended the government’s move to allow the intake of foreign workers, saying locals simply do not want to work dirty, dangerous and difficult (3D) jobs.

Malaysian Employers Federation president Syed Hussain Husman said bosses actually preferred hiring locals as it was simpler and cheaper than employing foreigners.

“But, despite the high unemployment rate to the tune of 690,000, especially among youths, employers in 3D sectors face extreme difficulties in getting the manpower they need because locals are not interested in taking up such jobs.”

He also said there were misconceptions about 3D jobs, particularly that they did not pay well.

“Employers, especially in the plantation industry, have introduced attractive packages such as providing free three-bedroom terrace houses, subsidised groceries, childcare, a plot of land and subsidised utility bills.

“But locals still perceive these jobs as being low-class,” he said when commenting on social media criticism of the government for allowing the intake of foreign workers.

Last week, human resources minister M Saravanan said the ministry had received 111,807 applications for foreign workers since the intake was opened on Feb 15.

The bulk of the applications (77,848), came from the manufacturing sector, followed by the plantation, service, construction and agriculture sectors.

International Islamic University Malaysia adjunct professor Ahamed Kameel Mydin Meera said foreign labourers were only brought in when locals were not interested in filling up the vacancies.

He said foreign workers contributed to the development and economic growth of the country.

Ahamed suggested that Malaysia produce a skilled labour force through technical and vocational education and training, instead of producing too many university paper-qualified students.

“That’s how Singapore planned its labour force — most students would go through their polytechnic education.

“Countries actually need more skills to develop their economy,” he said. - FMT