THE nation must gradually reduce its dependence on foreign workers by accelerating the adoption of automation, robotics and digital technologies, particularly in the manufacturing sector, to ensure the long-term sustainability of domestic industries.
Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said Malaysia currently had about 2.6 million foreign workers, a number that needed to be managed progressively in line with the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
He said industries needed to develop business models that could sustain operations without relying entirely on foreign labour.
"We cannot depend on foreign workers for everything. We need to find mechanisms for businesses in Malaysia to operate without being fully dependent on foreign workers," he said.
He was speaking after attending a dialogue session with the business community in Melaka last night.
Johari acknowledged that foreign workers remained necessary to fill jobs classified as dirty, difficult and dangerous (3D), but said industries needed to move towards more sustainable workforce models.
He said prolonged dependence on foreign labour was not a long-term solution, as experienced foreign workers would eventually return to their home countries, forcing employers to recruit and train replacements.
The manufacturing sector, in particular, needed to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and automation to create more high-skilled employment opportunities, he said.
Such a transition would also enable local workers with relevant education and skills to take up more suitable career opportunities.
"I know this is not easy because our culture of dependence on foreign workers has been deeply entrenched for a long time.
"So, this change cannot happen within a year or two. It will take time," he said.
Johari also stressed the need to provide local workers, including graduates of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes, with more opportunities to gain industry experience and develop relevant skills.
He said the government and industry also needed to explore ways to retain the expertise of experienced foreign workers in the manufacturing sector while intensifying training to prepare local workers to eventually assume those roles. - November 9, 2026
