Rakyat masih tolak kerja 3D, sasaran 10% pekerja asing sukar dicapai

The Malaysian government aims to reduce dependence on foreign labor to 10% by 2030, as opposed to the current 13%, according to data on labor markets, productivity, and industry's ability to replace foreign workers. MEF President Syed Hussain Syed Husman stated that reducing foreign workers while unattractive jobs continue to be shunned by local workforce is not viable.

He emphasized that jobs must prioritize Malaysian citizens, as all work is important and vital. The government's target is to lower the foreign worker ratio from 13% to 10% by 2030, following a recent statement by Investment, Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Sim Tze Tzin, who said Malaysia will not increase reliance on foreign labor even if businesses demand it.

Automation, artificial intelligence, robotics, and process improvements are necessary to reduce reliance on manual labor, Syed Hussain said. The shift towards local workforce needs to be gradual to avoid hampering industrial operations, investment, and economic growth. Syed Hussain also stressed the importance of making this reality rather than relying on rhetoric and popular statements.

Meanwhile, Putra Business School economist Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff said the target requires joint commitment from the government and employers through automation, digitalization, and better-paid jobs. He added that jobs must offer career paths and better skill development to attract local talent. Razman recommended strengthening education and technical and vocational training (TVET) and refresher courses to align local workers' skills with industry needs.

However, he cautioned against hasty reduction of foreign workers as sectors like construction, mining, agriculture, and manufacturing still depend on foreign labor. Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, President of Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd, sees reducing skilled foreign workers as a strategic move to elevate the nation's economic grade, emphasizing that government foundations such as capital, funding, digitalization, and automation are essential to help businesses transition to high-value operations and boost demand for skilled local workers.