The government will tighten approvals for foreign professionals to prevent companies from misusing skilled-worker permits for non-specialist jobs.
PETALING JAYA: The government is tightening approvals for foreign professionals after some companies allegedly cited the need for expertise in fields such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors but brought in workers for non-specialist positions.
During the Prime Minister’s Question Time session in the Dewan Rakyat, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said companies would no longer be allowed to use high-skilled recruitment requirements as a route to fill jobs that Malaysians were capable of performing.
“Some companies say they need professionals in artificial intelligence, but those brought in are not placed in skilled or specialist roles. Sometimes, they are employed in the human resources department.
“We cannot accept the argument that Malaysians are incapable of doing such jobs. Agencies will no longer be given the freedom to approve these applications as they please, and every request must be scrutinised under strict conditions.
“If expertise in semiconductors or artificial intelligence is genuinely required, we can bring them in. But that cannot be used as an excuse to bring non-skilled workers into the same company,” he told the House.
The matter was raised by Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka), who warned that some SMEs risked losing orders as their foreign workers’ permits expired, while employers were unable to secure renewals or recruit replacements for jobs that were difficult to fill locally.
Anwar acknowledged that several sectors continued to require foreign labour but said Malaysia should first consider workers already in the country before allowing further recruitment from abroad.
“We need foreign workers, that is a reality. But there are already millions of them in Malaysia.
“There should now be a solution to allow those already here to work instead of importing more from overseas.
“We also know that foreign worker syndicates have been a burden for decades and have become a means for certain parties to accumulate wealth,” he said.
He said any additional intake must be carried out through proper channels, with the Human Resources and Home ministries assessing labour needs and security considerations.
At the same time, Anwar called for firm action against foreigners who worked or operated businesses without valid permits, saying regulations must apply equally to Malaysians and non-citizens.
“Those with permits may work or conduct business. Otherwise, firm action must be taken regardless of race or nationality, including against Malaysians.
“If the regulations are followed, whether by local or foreign workers, they will be protected. But if the rules are breached and business spaces are taken over, that will naturally trigger a negative reaction,” he said.
