PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed relevant ministries and agencies to resolve manpower shortages faced by restaurant operators within one month, while cautioning against excessive reliance on foreign workers.
Anwar said the government acknowledged the urgent need to fill vacancies in certain sectors, including the restaurant industry, but stressed that any solution must take into account Malaysia’s existing foreign worker population, including undocumented and low-skilled workers.
“I have heard the concerns raised by restaurant operators regarding manpower shortages, and we cannot simply open the doors fully just to fill vacancies in a country that already has too many foreign workers, including those without skills.
“However, I agree that there is an urgent need to address labour shortages in certain sectors, including restaurants. Starting Monday, I am giving the relevant ministries and agencies a maximum period of one month to resolve this priority issue,” he said.
Anwar was speaking at the launch of the Indian Muslim Transformational Framework (IMTF) 2030 organised by Pertubuhan Gabungan Mukmin Nasional (MUKMIN) at the Penang International Convention, Culture and Arts Centre (PICCA).
He said the government would continue efforts to reduce Malaysia’s dependence on foreign labour while ensuring businesses facing genuine workforce shortages receive the necessary support.
During the event, Anwar announced a RM2 million allocation for the welfare and education of children from low-income Indian Muslim families, while also presenting scholarships to deserving students.
He said the government remained committed to addressing concerns raised by the Indian Muslim community, including employment opportunities, financing, education, business development and housing.
“We must listen to the views and suggestions raised by the community and improve where necessary. I have never claimed that everything I have done is perfect. I recognise my weaknesses and continue to learn,” he said.
Anwar stressed that government assistance would continue to be distributed based on need, while ensuring all communities receive fair attention and support.
Don’t Resort to Slander and Lies
Earlier, Anwar urged all political parties to refrain from using slander and false information for political gain, particularly during the campaign for the 16th Negeri Sembilan state election.
Anwar said he had recently been targeted by a fabricated message alleging that he had convened a meeting to spread political propaganda among serving military personnel and veterans.
“This morning, one of my officers showed me a message claiming, ‘Anwar called people together to spread propaganda among the military.’ I was stunned. Politics has come to this. They simply cut and pasted things before presenting them as my statement.
“I am not perfect, and I have many weaknesses. I have made mistakes in my life and, if I have said or done anything wrong, I apologise. But do not slander me,” he said during the Semarak Kenegaraan programme at the Army Basic Training Centre (PUSASDA) on Saturday.
Also present were Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari, Chief of Defence Forces General Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman and Army Chief General Tan Sri Azhan Md Othman.
Anwar said his experiences of facing what he described as false accusations and unfair treatment should serve as a lesson for others not to use slander as a political weapon.
He also called on the civil service to continue supporting efforts to safeguard national peace and stability while ensuring the government’s reform agenda and policy initiatives are implemented effectively.
In the Negeri Sembilan state election, Pakatan Harapan is contesting all 36 state seats, with PKR fielding 16 candidates, DAP 11 and Amanah nine. Early voting is scheduled for July 28, with polling day set for August 1 - July 25, 2026
