Anwar open to easing foreign worker rules for sectors facing shortages, warns against exploitation

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated during the 14th Forum Ilmuwan Malaysia Madani in Malaysia that his government is open to easing foreign worker approval requirements for sectors facing genuine manpower shortages, particularly in the plantation industry. He made this announcement at the event last night, after receiving requests from industry players seeking workers for tasks such as harvesting oil palm fruit.

Anwar indicated that such approvals could be granted if employers committed to reducing their dependence on foreign labor through mechanization. The Prime Minister directed relevant authorities to simplify approval procedures for urgent labor needs. He specifically mentioned that if workers are needed for harvesting, the government would consider the request, provided employers commit to mechanization.

Anwar suggested reviewing how foreign workers are deployed within large plantations, including reallocating manpower from adequately staffed tasks to those facing shortages. He also criticized some plantations for not investing in automation despite substantial profits, citing a company that made RM1 billion but refused to increase monthly pay by just RM20.

Concerning the treatment of foreign workers, Anwar condemned exploitative practices by certain employers, describing their conditions as dehumanizing and reminiscent of slavery. He emphasized that the government was negotiating with source countries to reduce recruitment fees and protect workers from exploitation. Anwar stressed that recruitment fees must not impose an undue financial burden on workers and criticized employers who keep workers' passports upon arrival.

He firmly reiterated that foreign workers are not slaves and that excessive actions against them are unjustified.