KUALA LUMPUR – The freeze on the migrant worker intake for the barber, textile and goldsmith sub-sectors has been lifted, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
However, Anwar said only half of the total number of applications received will make the final cut, as he believes that locals can do the job too.
“While we're looking at bringing in migrant workers, it should be reopened with conditions.
“I am not opening everything up, because there have to be efforts made (to provide training) through technical and vocational education and training (TVET), through the National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund.
“Training must be provided for the youth,” he said in his speech when launching the Lestari Niaga programme in Kuala Lumpur held at Medan Selera Madani, Kompleks Tun Sambanthan.
He said the matter will be brought to the cabinet on Friday, as it involves an immediate need for workers.
“Each time I meet an Indian leader, they would bring up these three sectors, so I said okay, I will grant the approval for now.
“But let’s also add TVET for our Indian youth,” said the prime minister.
Meanwhile, MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan who was also present, lauded Anwar for considering his requests to help the community at the event.
“My hope was that the prime minister would pay special attention to reviewing the issue of approvals for entry of foreign workers in the textile, goldsmith, and barber sub-sectors,” he said.
“The contributions of traders and small-scale vendors are important, as they are helping to bolster the economic growth of the country,” he added in a Facebook post later.
He stressed that the centre would beautify Little India even more, and its facilities would bring greater convenience to the traders while drawing in more tourists and shoppers. – The Vibes, September 4, 2023
