Human Resources Minister Ramanan says Malaysians must get job priority, with foreign workers only hired if no locals apply.
SEREMBAN: Malaysians must be given priority for available jobs before employers turn to foreign workers, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said.
He said the policy aligns with the ministry’s objective of ensuring employment opportunities for local workers first.
“As the Human Resources Minister, my foremost priority is jobs for Malaysians. Job offers must always go to the locals first. If there are no takers, then yes, we can offer to foreigners, provided the recruitment complies with Malaysia’s laws and regulations,” he told reporters when asked about allowing legally recognised Rohingya refugees to take up employment.
Ramanan was speaking after his official visit to the Indian Community Socio-Economic Development Programme (PPSMI) at SJKT Ladang Senawang.
He said the ministry would streamline the application process for foreign workers, particularly in the services sector, following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s directive to expedite recruitment where required.
Ramanan said he had instructed all relevant departments to cut unnecessary red tape and avoid delays.
“The Prime Minister has given us 30 days to resolve the matter, but I intend to expedite the process. I hope we can complete it within 20 days, subject to issues involving human resources, security screening and related procedures,” he said.
Last Friday, Anwar instructed the ministry and agencies to resolve foreign worker recruitment applications, especially in the restaurant sector, within one month, recognising urgent labour shortages while ensuring regulation.
Malaysia currently caps foreign workers at no more than 15% of the national workforce under the 12th Malaysia Plan, with the 13th Malaysia Plan aiming to reduce that to 10% by 2030.
