The Economy Ministry’s projected ceiling for migrant worker intake not to exceed 15 percent of the national workforce is expected to be met by Dec 31 this year, said Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He said that currently 17.1 million out of 34 million Malaysians are considered part of the labour force.
“The 15 percent ceiling set by the Economy Ministry means that the total number of migrant workers nationwide must not exceed this limit.
“…and we anticipate reaching this ceiling by the end of this year,” he said after attending a joint committee meeting with Human Resources Minister Steven Sim in Putrajaya today.
He said this projection includes the existing number of migrant workers, those for whom employers have received quota approvals, and those registered under the Workforce Recalibration Programme.
He also said that the freeze on the entry of migrant workers will be maintained.
Foreign boat captains over 60
Saifuddin said it was decided in the meeting to allow the first-time employment of foreign boat captains over the age of 60 starting this year.
He said this decision was made considering that boat captains have significant experience and the fishing sector contributes RM16.5 billion annually.
“We are allowing the employment of boat captains aged 60 and above, with a maximum period not exceeding 36 months because the temporary work visit pass is renewed every six months. During the monsoon season, the boat captains do not go out to sea,” he said.
He said at present the number of boat captains permitted for employment is 332, and these are limited to three years only.
“After that, we will conduct a review and request for the ministry to draft an ‘exit policy’ and incorporate current technology to ensure the sustainability of our fishing industry,” he said.
Separately, Sim said the Human Resources Ministry supports the joint committee’s decision to extend the freeze on migrant worker entry quotas.
Previously, he said the government decided to maintain the freeze on new migrant worker entry quotas as the number of workers in the country was nearing the target set under the 12th Malaysia Plan.
He said according to the Immigration Department, there were 2,171,798 migrant workers in the country as of March 15.
- Bernama
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