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

Malaysian government maintains immigration target of 13% for foreign workers compared to 10% by 2030, despite business demands. Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Sim Tze Tzin affirmed Malaysia will not increase reliance on foreign labor, even if businesses request it. This goal has been set and companies need to understand the importance of automation, developing value chains, and improving processes.

Companies must enhance their competitiveness, the minister said at the 7th KLEMS Asia Conference. When businesses rely on cheaper foreign labor, they are less likely to invest in technology and processes, leading to cost reduction and value chain improvement. Sim stated Malaysian workers' productivity reaches RM104,556 per worker in 2025, while productivity per worker decreased by 4.3% in the latest 2026 quarter, at an average of RM45.50 per worker per hour.

He believes Malaysia can achieve its goal of escaping the low-income economy trap and becoming a high-income country in a few years, with a solid foundation and steady economic growth. The government actively helps businesses develop value chains, including reducing reliance on foreign workers through automation incentives, process improvements, subsidies, and loans, alongside support from various agencies to boost productivity.

With strong economic growth of 6% year on year in the second half of 2026, Malaysia's electric and electronic sectors are performing well, benefiting from artificial intelligence and tech-driven exports. The KLEMS 2026 conference, held over two days until tomorrow, brought together around 200 participants from Malaysia and 12 regional economic experts to discuss papers and evidence transforming research into practical applications.