KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma) has lauded the government’s decision to expand the labour recalibration programme to employers in several services sectors, particularly the restaurant sub-sector.
Its president, Datuk Jawahar Ali Taib Khan, told The Vibes that the announcement is timely as it is a boon to outlet owners facing worker shortages.
“They will be able to legalise illegal workers at their outlets,” he said, thanking Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin and Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan for listening to Presma’s grievances.
“However, the government should ease and simplify the registration process as the ultimate aim is to legalise illegal workers.
“Too many restrictions and (too much) bureaucracy will discourage employers, and... the due objective will not be achieved.”
Jawahar Ali suggested that illegal workers detained by the Immigration Department nationwide should be allowed to be employed by Presma members.
“Presma can act as a bridge to smoothen the process between its members and the government.
“It will be a win-win situation, where employers will legalise (the workers) by paying a levy, and the government can reduce its burden and costs for food and shelter for the illegal (immigrants).”
Jawahar Ali advised Presma members to take advantage of this opportunity to achieve zero illegals in the sector by year-end.
His response comes in light of Hamzah’s announcement on Thursday that the labour recalibration programme is being extended to employers in some services sub-sectors.
In addition to restaurants, other sub-sectors include cargo, wholesale and retail, and cleaning and washing.
The agreement was reached following a joint committee meeting on the management of foreign workers, co-chaired by Hamzah and Saravanan.
Preventing huge losses
“This decision was made to help the government revive the country’s economy immediately, and to prevent critical sectors such as construction, manufacturing, plantations and services from suffering huge losses due to labour shortages,” said Hamzah after the meeting.
Yesterday, Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) president Datuk Syed Hussain Syed Husman said the extension will ensure businesses in critical sectors and said sub-sectors are able to revive quickly, thus resuscitating the national economy faster.
Though Covid-19 has compelled employers towards increased process automation, digitalisation and mechanisation, the availability of foreign workers is still critical in bringing industries and services sectors fully up to speed.
“MEF has pleaded with the government to allow foreign workers (in) as they are needed to resuscitate and revitalise the economy, especially in areas that are unable to attract local employees.”
The labour recalibration programme, launched by the government last November, is aimed at regularising the foreign workforce without the involvement of third parties.
Previously, only employers in 3D – dangerous, difficult and dirty – sectors were allowed to re-employ illegal immigrants from 15 source countries, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal and Thailand.
Hamzah said eligibility for participation in the programme is also extended to those who register for the rehiring programme and comprehensive illegal immigrants’ settlement programme, known as the 6P programme.
He added that the joint committee also decided to grant a moratorium to foreigners working on local fishing vessels in obtaining temporary employment visit passes until December 31. – The Vibes, April 27, 2021
