Kerajaan sasar turun had 13% kepada 10% pekerja asing menjelang 2030

Kerajaan Malaysia plans to reduce reliance on foreign workers from 13% to 10% of the workforce by 2030, even as businesses seek more foreign labor. Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry Sim Tze Tzin stated that Malaysia will not increase reliance on foreign workers despite business demands. The goal is to decrease dependence on foreign workers from 15% to 10% by 2030.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that businesses need to understand the importance of automation, develop value chains, and improve their processes. Companies must enhance their competitiveness, the Deputy Minister said at the 7th Asia KLEMS Conference. When businesses rely on cheaper foreign workers, they are less likely to invest in technology and processes, leading to reduced cost efficiency and value chain development.

Sim believes Malaysia can move out of the low-income economy trap and become a high-income country in a few years with the right foundation and sustained economic growth. The government actively helps businesses develop value chains, including reducing reliance on foreign workers through incentives for automation and process improvements, loans, and grants, along with support from various agencies to boost productivity.

In terms of Malaysia's strong-growing economy, the electrical and electronics sector is expected to perform well, with multinational companies benefiting from the smart and technology-driven export boom. The two-day KLEMS Asia 2026 conference, jointly organized by the Asian Productivity Organization and the Productivity Corporation of Malaysia, gathered around 200 participants from Malaysia and 12 other economies to discuss papers and practical evidence.