GEORGE TOWN – Hotels should consider engaging retired hoteliers in view of the acute shortage of hospitality workers, says the Penang chapter of the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH).
Following the reopening of the tourism sector, several hotels are facing difficulty rehiring staffers, prompting some to operate at below capacity.
MAH vice-president Khoo Boo Lim said some hotels also do not have time to hire workers as they are too busy trying to revive their operations and cope with the resurgence in domestic tourism.
“One way is to seek out those who have retired to help. Or, they can approach hotel and hospitality schools to see if they can engage students on a part-time basis. At least they can earn and learn at the same time,” Khoo told The Vibes.
He also urged hotel management to hire ex-employees and lure them back with attractive hourly rates.
“However, this must be controlled so as not to have a wage war among hotels.”
Furthermore, he said hotels could also offer existing staff the same rate as many do not mind earning more money.
Those presently employed must also learn to multitask to cope with the demands from guests, said Khoo.
Meanwhile, Langkawi Businesses Association deputy president Datuk Alexander Issac said that priority should still be given to local workers, despite the manpower shortage.
Alexander said that it would take time for the industry to regain its stature as a vibrant contributor to the economy in terms of strong productivity, revenue, branding and jobs creation due to the losses inflicted by Covid-19.
“We must remain resilient in trying to chart our comeback in tourism. We also hope there is better rapport and cooperation among all industry players,” said Alexander. – The Vibes, October 18, 2021
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