Wanita MCA calls on govt to tackle brain drain, generate job opportunities

 

WANITA MCA has urged the government to seriously tackle the issue of brain drain and related dilemmas via expanding employment opportunities, elevating wage levels and safeguarding workers’ welfare, thereby enhancing purchasing power and work-life balance.

According to MCA’s women’s wing chief Wong You Fong, such measures will contribute towards propelling economic progress and achieve transformation of all industries nationwide.

“According to a report by the World Bank, low wages among Malaysians have led to brain drain,” Wong noted in a statement on Wednesday (April 24).

“Although the number of unemployed persons dropped to 580,700 (3.4%) in 2023, according to the Fourth Quarter 2023 Labour Market Review released by the Statistics Department, skill-related underemployment – or people with tertiary education in semi-skilled and low-skilled occupations – increased by 2.4% year-on-year to 1.94 million or 37.4%.

“Wanita MCA therefore stands on the same page with the recommendation by the World Bank that increasing labour productivity is a key strategy to reduce brain drain and low wages.”

Wong said to address the issues of Malaysia losing out due to human capital outflow and low salaries, the government needs to enhance labour productivity.

“Adopting corresponding policies and measures, including creating a conducive environment for entrepreneurship and innovation will empower local talents to unleash their potential to drive financial prowess,” she remarked.

“In addition, Malaysian companies could enhance skills training and create wider and better job opportunities to alleviate the increasingly severe problem of underemployment.

“By formulating competitive tax and welfare policies, including tax reductions and incentives, improving social welfare benefits, and providing subsidies and support to businesses, the government would be able to entice human talents to continue residing in the country.”

Wong said through such measures, the nation can establish a favourable employment climate, enabling talent to opt to stay and develop their careers domestically.

“In addition to addressing the issue of low purchasing power, Malaysians also hope for better career prospects, expanding overseas perspectives, and enhancing competitiveness,” she said.

“The government and local enterprises should provide more training and development opportunities, allowing talents to realise their dreams within our tanahair.” – Focus Malaysia