Malaysia prioritizes existing foreign workers over new hires, says PM Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stressed that Malaysia must first coordinate the placement of its existing foreign worker population before considering new arrivals. He stated that while the need for foreign labor in certain sectors is real, the millions already in Malaysia should be prioritized for employment through more effective coordination.

This strategy, Anwar explained, is crucial to avoid continuous dependence on new foreign workers and to tackle the issue of illegal recruitment syndicates that have exploited the system for years. "We need foreign workers, that's a fact, but there are already millions here in Malaysia," he said. "Now it's about coordination so that those already in Malaysia are given jobs instead of importing more from abroad, because we know foreign worker syndicates are a burden that has existed for decades."

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We need foreign workers, that's a fact, but there are already millions here in Malaysia. Now it's about coordination so that those already in Malaysia are given jobs instead of importing more from abroad, because we know foreign worker syndicates are a burden that has existed for decades.

Anwar acknowledged that the foreign labor issue is complex and faced by many nations. He noted that an uncontrolled influx of foreign workers can provoke public reactions, especially if some violate regulations or take jobs traditionally held by locals. "This labor is indeed a complex issue. Countries around the world also face public reactions when there is an influx of foreign workers," he said. "Especially if they are known to sometimes break regulations or take over traditional jobs of locals in markets and so on."

He confirmed the government's agreement to implement stricter enforcement against any individual violating regulations, regardless of their background. This includes addressing the concerns of SMEs facing labor shortages, particularly in 3D (dangerous, dirty, difficult) jobs, and issues related to permit renewals and new worker recruitment.

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This labor is indeed a complex issue. Countries around the world also face public reactions when there is an influx of foreign workers. Especially if they are known to sometimes break regulations or take over traditional jobs of locals in markets and so on.