Business

Penang’s tourism industry needs 10,000 more workers

Hotels in state operating with only 50% of staff they had during pre-pandemic era, says industry figure

Updated 2 years ago · Published on 05 Apr 2022 3:43PM

Penang’s tourism industry needs 10,000 more workers — Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang chapter chairman Tony Goh says many hotels are operating at only 30% to 40% capacity, limiting their bookings. – RACHEL YEOH/The Vibes pic, April 5, 2022

by Rachel Yeoh

GEORGE TOWN – With the country opening its international borders, Penang’s tourism industry needs another 10,000 personnel to go full steam ahead.

At the Jom Cari Kerja Expo press conference, Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang chapter chairman Tony Goh said that hotels here were operating with only 50% of the staff they had during the pre-pandemic period.

Some 10,000 more workers are needed to fill the job vacancies at current and new hotels as well as those that will be reopening soon.

“I believe this is the best time to enter into the hospitality industry, which is slowly picking up; and the industry is looking to develop new talent, young people who will spearhead the future of the hospitality industry.

“We are currently doing a lot of multitasking and getting part-timers to assist us, but this is not a sustainable method.

“We need a more permanent solution,” Goh said, adding that many hotels are operating at only 30% to 40% capacity, limiting their bookings.

Penang executive councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy Yeoh Soon Hin said that despite a wide array of openings in renowned and leading establishments, many talents in the state are still struggling to get jobs or secure employment. – Pic courtesy of Bernard Loke, April 5, 2022

Association of Tourist Attractions of Penang president Ch’ng Huck Teng suggested that more lucrative salaries be provided to attract job seekers.

“We cannot compete within Penang anymore; we need to make Penang one of the top states in terms of recruitment.

“Why are people going to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur for jobs?

“We have to change our mindset and stop looking to hire as cheap as possible,” he said.

Penang executive councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy Yeoh Soon Hin said that despite a wide array of openings in renowned and leading establishments, many talents in the state are still struggling to get jobs or secure employment.

Yeoh believed this is due to the mismatch between supply and demand of the employment market – something he and the Penang government promised to address.

One of the initiatives was to launch “Jom Cari Kerja Expo”, which is aimed at bridging the gap in the manpower shortage by connecting talents with employment opportunities.

So far, 30 industry players have booked their spots and many are still on the waiting list.

The expo will be held on April 9 at St Giles Hotel and April 16 at Ixora Hotel. – The Vibes, April 5, 2022