Firms paying TVET grads same wages as foreign workers, says Johari

Malaysia's Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Johari Ghani has condemned companies that continue to hire foreign workers over local TVET graduates, despite the latter's availability. Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, he highlighted that while Malaysia has produced over 400,000 TVET students and graduates, some firms still pay TVET graduates the same wages as foreign workers. This practice, he claims, is deterring more Malaysians from taking up jobs that foreign workers are currently filling.

Furthermore, Ghani pointed out an instance where local workers are being placed in accommodation meant for foreign workers, compelling them to pay rent for living outside these designated areas. He attributed this issue partly to existing government policies which he deemed too accommodating. To address this, the government will no longer issue new licenses to businesses planning to hire foreign workers, unless the jobs are classified as dirty, dangerous or difficult.

Ghani further noted that despite the recent minimum wage increase to RM1,700, companies are still favoring foreign workers in terms of pay. He urged industries seeking to hire foreign workers to understand the new government policy, which will only permit them to do so for D, D and D jobs.