Malaysia cabinet to review foreign worker needs in restaurants, construction

Malaysia's cabinet will reconsider the necessity of foreign labor for specific sectors, including restaurants and construction, following discussions during a ministerial meeting. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has instructed several ministries to collect comprehensive data from their respective industries regarding foreign worker requirements.

These ministries include those responsible for domestic trade and cost of living, plantations and commodities, and works. The gathered information will be thoroughly examined in upcoming cabinet meetings. Fahmi, who also serves as the government's spokesperson, emphasized that this review takes into account the existing national policies that cap the number of foreign workers allowed.

"The information from the industry is important to enable the government to assess the actual needs of each sector before any decision is finalized," Fahmi stated during a weekly press conference. He added that the detailed information from industries is crucial for a more in-depth analysis of labor needs, including those of foreign workers, in future cabinet discussions.